Faces of Cooper

... captured by Daddy.

Priceless.

Family Movie Night

A good friend's blog is entitled "Choosing Joy" and has been quite the encouragement as I tackle the challenges of my new role as a mother of 3. Each day I am seeking the joy even in the most challenging moments.

I am learning to be flexible and to go with the flow. I am learning to put aside the Mommy agenda and sometimes just go with the example and suggestions of my children and ultimately to view life with a child like faith.

Tonight was one of those nights. My Mommy To Do's was a page long but at the suggestion of Madison to have a family movie night, I followed their enthusiasim and joined them in the living room.
The film of choice: Marmaduke

Here was the result:

Snuggling with their Mommy blankets in their red chairs- all cuddled up.

 Even Cooper was wide awake for the festivities

 Movie night would not be complete without popcorn and smarties

 Cuddling during the scary parts

 Dancing to the credits

Tonight was the best night.
No tears or tantrums. No time outs or hurt feelings
Just giggles, smiles and happy memories.

I am blessed.

Cooper Man and His 1st tie

I love my little man!

Bath Buddy

Unhappy Boy

 When Cooper is Mad... he is really mad

Time with Daddy

Words cannot describe this father son relationship...

 "Hands Down" they are my two favorite guys

Here's your "standing" ovation

Beary Special Boy

Happy 2 months Cooper! We are BEARY blessed to call you our son.

Sparkle of 5- Our family

Sister Selections

What kind of gift do you send for a new baby when you aren't really sure what the baby needs or will like?

A check with the stipulation that the baby's older siblings will know just what to get...

So Madison and Lillian set off on their excursion to find the best gifts for their new baby brother (and had a blast doing it).
Here is what they thought Cooper could not live without:

 2 Lion cuddles (they are identical) so that if one needs to be washed, there is always a back up

 Cute clothes- including Cooper's first tie

 A winter hat and gloves for our little Lion (he was not too thrilled to try it on for Lillian but she insisted)

 Every little boy needs a manly hat and claw slippers (when Lillian selected the monster slippers for Cooper I asked her where Cooper would wear them. Her answer.... Church! and so they were put in the cart)

 An overview of their selections: a clothes hamper, sheets, 2 lion cuddles, a lion hat and gloves, monster slippers, and some clothes.

Cooper enjoying his new treasures. He is one lucky little boy.

The Boys

 #1 Nephew

 Sparkman sandwich

He's the best!

Sunday in the Park

Sunday afternoon we headed toward Downtown to enjoy the cooler weather. We stopped at the grassy mall to throw Frisbees and footballs and to stroll along the sidewalk. It was a lot of fun.

 Cooper's first stroller ride- he has plenty of room to grow. He enjoyed watching Daddy and Uncle Caleb play football.

 Lillian cheered from the sidelines and guarded her brother.

 and then took a walk with Grammie.

 Hugs and Cuddles with Grammie and Grampie. We are so glad they were able to come visit for the weekend.

 Madison and Grampie

 Heading for pizza. What a fun afternoon.

Pillow Pet Cooper

A florida Gator pillow pet from Aunt Susanne and Uncle Caleb.

Too cute!

Meeting Uncle Caleb

Uncle Caleb and Aunt Susanne were excited to meet their new nephew.

Car Seat Lillian

After swimming we returned to Uncle Caleb's hotel room to change before our next adventure- LUNCH.

While the adults were chatting, Lillian was getting into a bit of mischief.

I think someone was a bit jealous over the amount of attention her baby brother was receiving :)

Hotel Swimming 3

The other highlight of the girls swimming adventures was being tossed into the water by Uncle Caleb and Daddy.
They loved it (most of the time- there were a few tears and more then a few belly flops)

 Check out her height... Running Madi

 A perfect cannon ball

"Brother Trouble" got a little enthusiastic with this toss...

 Another high flying Madi