Happy New Year and Happy Anniversary to Mom and Dad!

Hello to you! It's me, Cooper B, writing my last post for 2007, but don't be sad, I promise to be back in action and better than ever in 2008 (it that's even possible). I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. We sure did. We started off the day right with a Christmas call from uncle Bart and the day just kept getting better from there. I received some wonderful presents from a very nice man named Santa C. What a generous guy he is! He brought me a new car, a lawn mower, and a wagon filled with giant legos! How about that?! Then, he even sent me an extra special present all the way from northern PA...Gram and Gramps B! We are having some fun I'll tell you. Those two brought even more presents, from the Costello gang too! I want aunt Amber to know I am having a ball in my sled with mom and dad as my reindeer, who needs snow when you have able bodies and linoleum?! I don't know what I'll do with myself when I get to try it outside! I also got my very own snowman making kit. First I thought the coal was for eating, but mom reassured me this was not the case. I also got a real John Deere tool belt, a doggie of my very own from the NC Bryants, an awesome camoflauge hat from the Costello gang as well as a big boy tshirt from Gander Mtn. As you can tell, everyone who knows me thinks I am getting to be such a big boy. There was so much Christmas cheer and kindness from others, mom and dad saved two of my gifts for my big birthday next month. Don't worry, I didn't mind, once I opened my favorite gift, a whole box of kleenex for my little hands only from mom and dad, the whole living room disappeared! You know, I ripped every single tissue out of that box! I have been dying to do that for the past three months, but for some reason m&d always stop me. I'll tell you, Christmas must be some SPECIAL occasion! I am sad to say it is pretty quiet around here this evening. Gram and gramps left this morning and we miss them already. Let me just tell you what good sports they are, dad even got those two out into the gym. Isn't that something? We will be cheering them on from afar and hoping we help improve their quality of Harley riding if nothing more. We are going to have more victims, um I mean participants, in our workout soon. Mr. James, Ryan, and Nathaniel are planning a trip over. Mom and dad are so excited to have some new people to work out with; they say it really motivates them to get out there in the cold and keep working hard. So, if you are feeling the burden of holiday cheer, you know where to find us. Dad is getting his practice training in and can hopefully fulfill his dream to open his own facility someday very soon. Until then, mom sure doesn't mind being his frankenstein! If you see those two, be sure to wish them a happy anniversary today. Gram and gramps were nice enough to let them celebrate yesterday with a dinner at the Cheesecake Factory in Leesburg. They had a great time, but they said they missed me, of course. They say nothing is the same without their favorite little guy! I guess I better run, be sure to get your resolutions down, and above all, be safe for the New Year's Eve. We'll be thinking of all of you friends and loved ones out there and wishing you the happiest and healthiest new year. Take care of yourselves and come and see us any time, the work out is optional. Don't forget this upcoming January is a RED letter month. We celebrate the birth of a great man, well, a great boy who will someday be a great man (just like my da da). Love and hugs and smooches galore, miss you bunches, Cooper B.

Poopy Croupy

Hello out there to all of you. How in the world are you doing? I am doing ok, I can't say great, buy you know I am a trooper so I am hanging in there. As you know, we recently returned from our trip to WV, just yesterday evening as a matter of fact and boy, did we have a nice time seeing our family. Just in the nick of time too, because you know I was walking all over the place! They sure were impressed with me, I'll tell you. Although, if you want the truth, I think that would have been the case whether I was walking or not. They spoiled me, all of them. I got some great books for Christmas, a real live zebra, some stacking rings AND blocks, a bear for my very own from the build a bear factory, some cool clothes, stuffed animals...just to name a few. I am going to try to make it back there again very soon, and not just for the presents, I love my family. I only wish I could have seen more of them. We didn't get to visit great grandma and grandpa Sloan or many of my aunts, uncles, and cousins. We were really sad about that, but you know God takes care of us, and it is a good thing I didn't spread any more holiday cheer than I did because you know what? Mom, Dad, and me took an exciting trip to Fairmont ER on Sunday night! Can you believe that?! Well, I am all for exploring and seeing new places, but that was a little ridiculous. Poor m&d, you know they are sleep deprived since I had them up until 4:30am partying on Friday night. They thought they would be slick and leave Sunday night instead of Monday morning so it would be easier on yours truly. We took off, originally heading for Morgantown, but the roads were bad and mom almost had a meltdown, so dad pulled off in Fairmont. Luckily, the same exit as the hospital...we got to bed around 12:30, and then I woke them up coughing, poor mom knew right away what the problem was. She was just hopeful I would make it through until morning. I did fall back asleep but woke up again around 3:30 sounding like I swallowed a t-bone. We were all scared so we loaded up the pilot and headed to Fairmont General. Sure enough, I have the croup, but I am already feeling a little better. They gave me a nebulizer treatment and some steroids, and by the time we were ready to go, I had myself a lukewarm bottle (not the best accomodations and hospitality there) and was sleeping peacefully. We made it back to the room around 7am and me and mom slept until 9. Dad, not so much. Needless to say we all slept like rocks last night, thank goodness. Whew! What an experience for a little guy. Mom and dad were so proud of me, and I am just thankful for the snow on Sunday that kept us from spreading more germs and made us get off at the exit we did. I think m&d are a little scared to take me anywhere for a while. I told them to think of it as an adventure. Bless their hearts, you know those two love the heck out of me! Hey, did you get my Christmas card yet? I hope you love it! We sure do love all of you too. Oh, great news! Our friend Allison is pregnant...again! So join us in wishing her the best pregnancy yet! Other news, gram and gramps B will be here next Tuesday to take care of me for the week. We are sure excited to have them and I can't wait to show them how well I am getting around and what a big boy I am becoming. I know my family in WV was sure impressed, as I was with them! We already miss them. Maybe some day soon we will be closer; mom and dad hope so every day. Well, I better save my energy for playing with my new toys and get some rest. I hope your holiday preparations are going well. Just remember not to get stressed because the gifts aren't what it's all about! Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of it all and forget the reason for the season! So please, take care of yourselves and one another and come on up to UB and see us any time you get the chance. XOXOXOXO, Be sure to clean out your chimney for old Santa Claus! We're hoping he brings us some $$ to cover my ER excursion, hee hee! Love you bunches, Cooper B.

'Walkin' around the Christmas Tree...

HELLO!! Did you know Santa is coming soon? I am so excited, I can hardly stand it. We are in full throttle preparation mode here in UB. Mom is a whir of Christmas fury. You should have seen her this weekend. Dad stayed with me and let her get some Christmas shopping done on Saturday morning and you would have thought the poor woman won the lottery. She really needs to get out more. We had a pretty great weekend. We got a new movie, Ratatouille, and we are in the process of watching that now. For those of you who don't have a 10 month old in the house, movies are a process and require not one evening or two hour block, but at times, a whole week to watch! Sort of brings back the excitement of the mini series, at least I think so! Now for some super exciting news. I am pretty much walking. I took 5-6 steps on Friday and I have been working up my nerve to just take off. Takes quite a bit of courage for a little guy, but all of you who know me well know I am up for the challenge. Fortunately, both M&D got to see it all in person; mom almost cried bless her heart. To tell the truth, I am really wanting to wow my WV family. I figured this would throw my unending charm right over the edge, hee hee. Hey guess what? I played in the snow for the very first time on Thursday. I am sorry to say though, I didn't like it too much. Maybe that isn't fair, what I didn't like was all the bundling mom put me through prior to my snow outing. By the time she had me dressed and ready, boy was I mad! I did cheer up when we got outside, that is until I stuck my hand in the snow (after I wiggled it out of those crazy mittens), after this, the romance was over. I started yelling and mom took me back inside, apologizing all the way of course. I forgave her; bless her heart, she can't help herself at times. Other news...I tried to go see Santa today. Operative word here is tried. The line was so long to see St. Nick, mom and dad didn't dare wait it out. I thought it might be fun, but they definitely weren't up for it. I guess I will have to get gussied up some other time or wait until he comes to my house. You know he will; I have been SUCH a GOOD boy this year. Feel free to post comments elaborating on my goodness. Mom tells me Santa may be reading my blog and I figure I will recruit all the help I can get. More news on mom's new job...she is really liking it. Of course, she wishes she didn't even have to work so the two of us could hang out all day together (her most favorite pastime), but since she has to go, she isn't hating it the whole time she is there, which is a plus. As you know, we are heading to WV this weekend. We are all very excited to see our family. It has been over 6 months since I have seen some of my relatives and I can't wait. I bet they won't believe all I am up to these days. Mom and dad just laugh and shake their heads when I get going. I wish I could get one second of alone time with our beautiful Christmas tree and those packages underneath. Those two don't know when to let a little guy alone with his thoughts. I have some serious improvements to m&d's decorating and gift wrapping in mind. I will keep you posted on any progress I make in that department. I hope you enjoy the pics this time. Mom got me all dolled up today for Santa so we took some pictures before we left. They tried to make me wear a Santa hat, but I have to draw the line somewhere, don't you think? Well, dad is already in bed, so I better get going. Please be safe out there and don't forget the reason for the season! We will be thinking of you and keeping you close at heart. Today is aunt Deb's bday, so be sure to wish her a happy one. Cousin Rob's birthday is this coming week too, so if you see him, tell him Happy Birthday. Take care of yourselves. Love, hugs, and smooches, Cooper B.

Happy Anniversary Gram and Gramps B!

Heidi Ho! Or shall I say, ho ho ho! How in the heck are you? So sorry I have been remiss in blogging, poor mom really needs to get it together! We have been doing great here in UB, great news to report, I have been sleeping like a log! Mom says thank the Lord! She had her first week at the new job this past week and she needed all the extra zzzs she could catch. She abandoned poor dad out in the garage, bless his heart...must have all been a little too much for her to handle. I am happy to say she made it, and none the worse for wear. She had a great week and everyone was super nice. Let's hope they stay that way; I would hate for dad and I to have to go up in there and adjust some attitudes! Ha ha! You know we could do it too. I have been working on my ring dips! We have heard from Uncle Bart from time to time and he is doing well. We worry, but we're sure thankful he has the time to send up nasty jokes and risque pictures (of course Mom doesn't share those with me)! We can't wait to get him home real soon. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you what a wonderful time I had in PA visiting our family for Thanksgiving. WOW! I was such a great boy, and soo happy. We had the best time. I had my very first Red and Trudy burger, I petted Smoky and wasn't a bit afraid (no surprise there), Ruby the dog is my new and very best friend (sorry Sam), AND, as if all of that wasn't enough, the Costello gang and Gram and Gramps got me presents too! Can you believe that? I got a pop up tent, how cool is that? I also got a pig that oinks and drives a car, a rooster flashlight, a real cowpoke hat, and some weebles! Woohoo. I want to visit there again SOON!! And trust me, it's not only because I got presents. I had so much fun playing with my cousins, and there is always more room in this tummy for Gramma B's cooking! I wish you could have seen how much fun I was having. Of course, you could see how much fun I was having if mom hadn't forgotten the camera. Alas, we have no pics of my very first Thanksgiving. I told mom not to worry about it, but of course, she is all upset. Maybe aunt Amber will email some of her pics and I will share them with all of you. More news, yesterday was Grandma Sloan's 77th birthday and TODAY is Gram and Gramps B's 40th wedding anniversary. Also, today we celebrate the birth of our friend Niala Ghalib! We sure wish we could be with them to celebrate, and especially to eat cake, ha ha. Monday the 19th was cousin Gage's bday. Amber and Jim had an anniversary, Wed. Nov. 21st, was 20 years for them. Also, last Friday was aunt Kim's bday and Sunday was Adam Townsend AND Seth Huffman's bday. This past Wed. was Uncle Bob and Aunt Carole's anniversary. So if you see any of them, wish them happy belated tidings. Let's see...update on the Christmas shopping, no news there, nothing accomplished as yet. Other great news, we are heading to WV the weekend of the 15th to see our family there. We are all really excited for the trip. We are also hoping to stop by Clarksburg and see our friends, the Smells and maybe the Halfins! We never have enough time to spend, but we're sure thankful for the time we'll have! I hope you enjoy the pics above. As you can clearly see, I am a prodigy. Along with my newfound stardom, I am clapping, pushing my cart all over the house, doing some interior decorating for m&d, and yes folks, dancing like John Travolta. Next stop, DWTS (that's Dancing with the Stars for all of you nerds like us out there who don't have cable, haha). I have also included the pic of Sam and me planning our great escape! Not really, the two of us would be crazy to leave this lap of luxury. We love to look out the window together; just wanted to show you what a big boy I am! I wanted to tell you also, Ms. Michele bought me the nicest book for Christmas. I know mom loves it too, but for some reason, she cries every time she reads it to me. Well, I guess I better get going. Nothing but BUSY-ness in UB. We are heading out today for my very first Christmas tree and of course, our usual Saturday rigamarole. Mom and dad are taking me out to lunch and I can't wait. Hope you all have a wonderful first day of December out there. Be careful and take care of yourselves. Come and see us for Christmas if you get the chance. We'll be thinking of all of you as always. SO much love to all of you, Cooper B.

Happy Belated 1st Birthday Smell x 3!

Hello out there from Union Bridge! How in the heck are you? We are doing great here, thanks. I think this nasty cold is finally on its way out. I am presently napping my heart out. Can you believe mom got me up at 5:30 this morning? What in the world is she thinking? We cleaned house together, loaded the dishwasher and did some vacuuming. I don't know if I have told you about my three favorite toys here in our house, they are (in no order of preference): the vacuum cleaner, the refrigerator, and the dishwasher. Mom says I am going to make a lucky lady happy beyond her wildest dreams some day! As you already know, I also love to fold clothes. Talk about a total package. Now for the news...Mom's last day at work is tomorrow. Then the two of us have a whole week off together; we are both totally ecstatic, WHOOPEE. This is our year to go to PA for Thanksgiving, so we'll be heading out next Wednesday evening for the big journey. We are all very excited, but also sad we can't be in two places at once. Mom really misses her WV family during the holidays. She sure would love some of Nanny Hively's sweet potato casserole. She says I would love it too since you know sweet potatoes are among my favorite foods. I have a new one to add to the list, and you can just call me exotic. Dad and I had salmon last night for dinner. He told mom I loved it. Can you believe it? I also love broccoli, but my tummy doesn't love it so much. This morning I had lots of blueberries for breakfast which are also very popular with me. I love them so much sometimes my poo stains my bottom blue. Hope that isn't too much information for you! More news...much to mom's dismay, dad has purchased a food scale. Let's just say, mom hasn't been the most chipper this week or too positive about the whole thing. You know how much she usually enjoys our Thursday lunches at Chick-fil-a. Last week I ate like a big boy! Chicken nuggets and french fries dipped in real ketchup. I thought mom and I were really living high on the hog; we don't see that sort of fare on the homefront, that's for sure. I have an announcement to make, I feel like such a bad buddy...The triplets turned one year old on Saturday and we missed it. I think poor mom is so hungry she can't even think straight. So please join us in wishing them a VERY happy belated first birthday. We wish we could've been there to celebrate with them. Today mom and I are going to do our usual (read boring) BJ's run. No fine lunch, but mom says she will drive through for my nuggets, HOORAY! Oh, some good news, mom's wrist is healing well. She gets some funny looks from her patients, but hopefully the scar won't be too bad. She also asked me to ask all of you out there if you have ANY suggestions about how a mom can get geared up for Christmas. I am not sure what she means, but she can't quite seem to figure out how to Christmas shop with yours truly. It wouldn't be so bad if we lived close to a decent place to shop, but mom says the truly great places are an hour or more away. And you know, I am one cool cat, but after an hour drive, I am not overly excited about sitting in my stroller while mom racks her poor brain to make a decision. Those of you who know her well know exactly what I mean. Therefore, any suggestions are greatly appreciated : ). Well, I better get going. I hope you all have a wonderful day and enjoy our pics. They are: my friends and me; Myleigh on the phone (girls!); me again (how big is Cooper?); Ethan and me; Brianna, Myleigh, and me; Cyndy, Ethan, and Bri; and Ethan chowing down. Go Mountaineers. Take care of yourselves and each other. And please, come and see us when you get the chance. Love to you and yours, Cooper B.

Remember to give thanks!

Hello there to all of you. I sure hope everyone is doing just fine. I am happy to report that I am fine too, for the most part. I have been battling this crappy cold for the last week. My nose won't stop running, I am coughing a little, and I have to admit, I've been more than a little crabby at times. And of course, it goes without saying, none of us here in UB are getting any sleep. Dad pulled out all the stops yesterday and bought me a humidifier and a triaminic room freshener. I am a little surprised to say it worked. I did get up at 5:30 this morning, but there were no two hour parties at 3am last night. Before I forget, I want to tell you I have a whole bunch of pictures to share from Mom's bday, Halloween, and of course, my visit with the Smell triplets. I will post what I can with today's message, and the others will follow lickety split. OK, now for the news. For those of you who don't know it yet, mom is awaiting a new job. She gave notice at Dr. Uggowitzer's office and her last day is next Friday. It has been rough saying goodbye to her patients and I am sure she will miss her coworkers, but it was an offer she couldn't refuse. It is very exciting although you know mom is a nervous Nelly. Dad and I keep telling her it will be great. You know what I think? I think those two DESPERATELY need a vacation! It has been since January and on certain days, they seem pretty worn out. Do you think it is because of their advanced age? Or possibly sleep deprivation? As far as I know, 2-3 hours at a time is more than enough to be wild and crazy. I mean, look at me...I sometimes don't sleep all day, and in fact, the less sleep I get, the more I get into. There is also usually alot of whooping and hollering involved. You'd think they'd learn by such a fine example. So...Halloween. Well let me just tell you, m&d have yet one more reason to call Maryland stinky. I hit four houses, FOUR...have you ever? What are these people doing around here? Not that they let me eat the candy, but seriously, I had like three miniature candy bars in my bag. And don't say that's not what it's all about, because that is EXACTLY what Halloween is all about. OK, discussion over, I get pretty riled still thinking about it. On to a happier brief...our visit with the Smells' was FANTASTIC. We really had the most fun. You probably wouldn't even believe it unless you saw it with your own two eyes, we did and it was still utter craziness. We have to hand it to Cyndy and Jeff, they are doing one terrific job with my three friends. God certainly knows who to bless with three babies at a time, and definitely who not to (read mom and dad). Those two can barely handle me, and you know I am pure angel incarnate. I don't know what in the world they'd do with three at once! You know how much mom and dad love having guests, we had dinner, of course some chocolates, and dad even talked Cyndy and Jeff out into his chamber of torture! What good sports they were! The four of them even played a game without the babes! Can you believe the nerve?! More news, we are getting a few new pieces of furniture here in UB. Mom is especially excited about that. She has also been racking her brain about Christmas...you know she is usually quite crafty, but dad just shakes his head at her and says she knows she doesn't have the time and not to stress out. I am not sure what he means by that time thing, do you think it could be he is trying to say she has poor time mgmt? Well, I better get going. Mom is such a tyrant she makes me help clean the house : ). You wouldn't believe the job I can do on a room in less than two minutes! Hope you enjoy the above pics...they are: me having dinner, dad and me on Halloween, me enjoying m&m's from my big candy booty (NOT!), mom's big injury, me, then me and mom on her birthday x2, and me being the big helper folding our laundry. Whew! Please come and see me soon before mom works my pudgy little fingers to the bone. More pics to follow. Again, keep our friend Jen Duval in your hearts and prayers. So much love...Gobble, gobble, we're giving thanks for all of you! Cooper B.

Happy Halloween to You! Bok bok.

Well hello blog fans. Happy Sunday to you all! We learned a tough lesson today. When someone invites you to church, you just better go. We were invited to Ms. Michele's church, but mom and dad had a bunch of housework and dad had some rewiring to do in the living room. Of course, maybe you know, maybe you don't, but those two don't go many places unless it is scheduled around my nap. Bless their hearts, they try their best to make sure I get to sleep in my own crib. It makes for some hectic trips here and there, but I have to agree, it sure is nice to sleep in my own bed and not that carseat. And those of you who know me well know that's about the only two places I EVER sleep and sometimes not even then. OK, now you are caught up with a little background about yours truly, my not so healthy sleep habits, and my neurotic parents...back to the matter. We were busy this morning, dad with the wiring, mom with picture hanging and me, being the BIG helper I always am. I went down for my nap, a little begrudgingly I'll admit, and mom set to work on the front room which has driven her crazy for the past year. To put it mildly, it is a MESS. So mom was going to it. Now I don't know if you knew this either, but my dad is the most thoughtful guy in the universe. He got mom a beautiful sketch of her and me for mother's day. The glass was broken when it arrived and she FINALLY got it replaced last night. I wish I could tell you how excited she was to get the chance to hang it up. Alas, just as she was expressing said excitement, she dropped it in the hallway and broke not the glass, but the frame. I thought she was going to cry she was so upset. She sadly put the pieces in our spare room, the aforementioned messy one. This morning, mom had a brainstorm and found a new frame for our picture. It hangs proudly in our living room, new frame, different glass and all. I know I am circling the airport with this story, I just had to let you know all that was involved with this crazy picture. So mom was cleaning the spare room, throwing boxes around (she crossfits you know), but there was so much junk (no surprise there), she lost her footing and wouldn't you know, she ran her hand right through that brand new piece of glass and that's when things really got exciting. Needless to say, instead of a nice church service, we spent our Sunday brunch in the ER. Mom was very blessed, it could have been a heck of alot worse. In fact, between episodes of lightheadedness, this is exactly what she was proclaiming to dad. Now you folks know my mom is a PA, and not a bad one I'm sure, but let me tell you, Dad is the one you want in times of stress or injury. He is coolness incarnate. Mom tells me every day how amazing he is, but you just wouldn't know until you see him in a crisis. Small crisis indeed, but a big crisis for mom. So that was our exciting Sunday, whew. If you are still awake out there, I have more news. We are getting some visitors this weekend and I can't tell you how excited we all are. Guess who's coming to see me? The Smell family! Whoowee! You know that's three babies, right?! It's about time to level the playing field around here. We can't wait to see them; you know they will be one year old very soon. Speaking of birthdays, mom wants to thank you all for your well wishes, gifts, and cards on hers. She had a fantastic birthday and says Dad and I make all of her wishes come true. I got her a locket with a picture of yours truly in it (in my opinion there's no better gift) and dad bought her a gift certificate to a spa! How about that?! We all shared ice cream cake and dad even lit candles and wrote happy bday mom on it. He only lit a few candles, not the full 32, I think we have had enough brushes with fire here in UB. Anywho, mom says it was her greatest birthday ever. More news, check out your AP news, there's a sasquatch on the loose up in Potter County. I sure hope Gram and gramps or the Costellos can get me a picture of that little big foot. Also, on another note, please keep our friend Jen Duval in your prayers. We have been thinking of her so much during this past week. I had better get to bed, but I wanted you to know I was thinking of you too. Please have a safe and very happy Halloween. Keep your fingers crossed for mom to get off a little early so she won't miss trick or treat. Can you imagine any reason in the world to miss a little guy's first Halloween?! Take care of yourselves and come and see me. So much love, Cooper B.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

Hey everybody! How in the world are you? I am doing great, busy as a bee getting SO big. You won't believe it, but guess what I did today and yesterday. Stood all by myself! Isn't that something? I did it for mom today while we were in the bathroom and when she was telling dad, he remembered to tell her I did it when he and I were hanging out yesterday too! So they both got to see me balance myself for about 15 seconds! It won't be long now and I'll have those two plum worn out! They think I am into everything now, I'll show them! I got another halloween card today. Gram and gramps B, I loved it. I've only had it for a few hours and it is already careworn. How about that? Mom got her first bday card today too. Very exciting. She hasn't said much about her birthday this year. She keeps saying something about how spending her 30th with dad in Iraq taught her a LOT of perspective about birthdays. Not that it slows her down celebrating for others...she said after dad deployed she'd NEVER complain about getting older again! I have GREAT news! Guess who came to dinner to see me? Ms. Norma and Ms. Michele. It was so exciting. I was such a good boy. I got to show them all of my toys and my house. We had the best time. I know mom loves having guests over for dinner, she was bustling around all day. She was so excited I thought I might have to put her in time out! She doesn't get to entertain very often, so she is pretty out of control when she gets the chance. So a great big thanks goes out to Ms. Norma and Ms. Michele for dining with the Bryants! I hope you all enjoy the pics. I wanted to show you my new car. Please don't jump to conclusions. I am NOT too young to have my own car and I am certainly not spoiled. Dad simply thought it would be a nice gesture since mom was in bed all day with the pukies. Next is a picture of us at the zoo. Then we have yours truly showing mom how to organize my diapers. Bless her heart, she is such a mess. If you think I am doing a good job here, wait until you see what an ace I am with the tupperware. I actually may have found my calling. I am also posting a pic of my favorite new-old toy. Yes folks, much to mom's dismay and against the advice of the AAP (which she keeps harping about to dad), that's me in my winne-the-pooh walker. You should see me whipping around the house in this craft. Watch your ankles! Oh, speaking of ankles, poor mom fell down the steps at work last night. She twisted her ankle, but don't worry, it's just a little swollen, dad says not even enough to gain her sympathy, haha. He really didn't say that, you know my dad is brave, he's not CRAZY! Anywho, back to the photo gallery...this is me at dinner last night. As you can see, I was seriously enjoying the fare. I am doing some new things at mealtime, mostly rubbing the food all over my face. I feel you can't truly enjoy a cuisine unless you slather it right on. I hightly recommend this, although I can in no way promise you that you will look as cute with food all over your face as I do. Still not saying ma-ma, though I have da-da down to a tee (in front of everyone of course, except, you guessed it, da-da). I suppose that is about all the news for now. Please come and see me if you get a chance. You know we are always thinking of all of our wonderful friends and family out there. We sincerely appreciate you checking in on me. Bless your hearts. Stay safe and take care of each other. So much love, Cooper B. (The B stands for "bok, bok")

OH PS: A happy birthday goes out to Uncle Jr. and cousin Kirk. We hope they both had fabulous birthdays and that all of their bday wishes come true!

I'm Going to the Zoo!

Hello out there! How in the heck have you been? We are doing great here in UB. I have some great news to share, the best kind, baby news. I have two new friends. First, our friends Gary and Rachel Andrews welcome Colin Lee. He is already almost 6 weeks old and boy, is he a handsome fellow. Next, we have a new neighbor! Her name is Lily Carmella and she was born TODAY! I can't wait to meet her, I think she and I will be great friends. We are going to try to go and see her tomorrow; I'll try to get a picture of the two of us for your viewing pleasure. More news, birthdays are rampant this month...cousin Kent's was last Thursday, hope he got our card and had a great bday! Cousin Kirk celebrates his 19th on Monday, uncle Jr.'s is on Tuesday, my friend Becca's is on the 20th, uncle Keith is the 22nd, and Mom will be 32 on the 23rd. Please don't tell her I said so, but I think she's getting pretty old. I saw a monster gray hair among the brown ones the other day...I didn't dare say anything, but I think she must have noticed; it was gone when she came to pick me up. Now don't go jumping to conclusions either, the grays were there before I came along! We are getting geared up for Halloween around here. This weekend we are going to pick out our candy. Dad says he wants our house to be known for the best candy on the block. He has it all planned out and is really going to schmooze it up by giving out REGULAR sized candy bars. I think he is just trying to lock in a payload for our trick or treating next year. Oh my goodness! Did I tell you MY news...I am waving now! Hello, bye, whatever, it's the coolest! I waved at some strangers at Five Guys last weekend, and of course, you know they fell in love with me. I am also saying, much to mom's chagrin, Da-da. I said it to her on Wednesday morning but she didn't really seem to accept it so well. She kept saying, "No Cooper, ma-ma, ma-ma-ma," but I showed her. I simply kept insisting da-da. Now I don't have to tell you that Dad seems to be VERY excited about the whole event. He has been walking around all week with his chest stuck out proudly...we won't tell him what I really meant to say...ma-ma! Weather update...looks like I may finally get my first taste of fall. Up until today, it has been in the 90s. We have been patiently waiting for the weather to break and guess where we're going today? To the zoo! How about that? Doesn't that sound like so much fun? I can't wait to meet the animals. I know we are going to have the best time. Mom and dad are hoping I get nice and tired so maybe I will get some SLEEP. It hasn't been going to well lately with bedtime. Mom says I sound like her patients, I have no trouble falling asleep, it's the staying asleep that proves difficult. Wish me luck on that one. Needless to say, we all got an early start today at 5:45. We did all get to snuggle in bed together until we were ruthlessly uprooted by a false beep on the smoke detector. I don't know what might have happened in the past, but mom was literally down the steps with me before dad got out of the bed. She's a little jumpy I guess, but don't worry, everything is a-ok. Oops, I better run. Zoo time is quickly approaching and we don't want to be late to meet the elephants. Hope you have a great day and a wonderful weekend. Be careful out there. Lots of love and prayers to you and yours, Cooper B.

The Frost is on the Pumpkin!

Hello out there and Happy October to you! September slid right past me, time flies when you are having fun! I figured I will start this month out right with the news about yours truly, of course. I am posting some pics of September's happenings...one of myself and aunt Helen and one of me in the hat she brought me, then the one of mom, dad, and me before they left me (the fun guy) at home while they went to Liz's wedding. Can you believe that? Mom says she is sorry and while they had fun, she knows it would have been one heck of a better time with her little sunshine there. Dad said I would have stolen the show. But don't feel too sorry for me because Gram and gramps B and Aunt Amber came all the way down from PA to hang out with me. They brought me beautiful presents and it's not even my birthday. I got a real rocking horse, one for true cowboys, a fall sweater with a rainbow of pretty colors, and a singing goat. I love that goat, every time it yodels (now c'mon, don't act like you've never heard of a yodeling goat), I get a great big smile on my face. I will post a pic soon of me riding the horse with my cowboy sweater holding my yodeling goat. How about that? In my deep gratitude for my wonderful gifts, I tried to break them all in well and gave them quite a bedtime show. Then for an encore, I decided to give mom a run for her money for leaving a little guy home. We ended up chewing the fat from 3am to 6:30! What I really needed was some milk and lots of it...I went the whole day without it, then I got myself so worked up and sleepy, I wouldn't drink it before bed. Now this may have never happened to you, but it is quite a pickle. I have a feeling next time mom will think twice before pulling a trick like that again. The wedding was beautiful according to m&d, they got to meet alot of Liz and Helen's family and of course, there was my favorite, CAKE! Can you believe those two didn't bring me any? We will post more pics of the wedding with the next blog for you. More news...we have some bdays this week. Our friend Chris Eten's is today and cousin Kent will be celebrating his on Thursday. Do you know he sent us a pumpkin? It is beautiful, and the best part is, he grew it himself. Isn't that something else? I got my very first Halloween card today; it was from Lisa and Papaw Bill, Hannah, Jessica, Nathan, and Abagail. I LOVED it! I carried it around and played with it, I even put it in my mouth. For those of you who don't know, this is the utmost honor for an item. Needless to say, I do have many esteemed items. Speaking of mouths, I have had quite a bit to say lately, many screeches and squeals and my new fav, tsss, tsss. Mom says if I say Sam first, she will have a fit! I can't help it, he's my best friend. And I just know someday our relationship will be a two way street. For now though, I am hanging in there and trying to be understanding. Tonight I tried to break bread with Sam and eat a couple of pieces of his food. He didn't seem to like that much at all, in fact, neither did mom. His food seems much more interesting than mine; I don't know why I can't try some. It has alot more texture and fun colors than my drab colored mush. I do have to hand it to mom and dad though, they are putting my little food grinder to great use. I am eating all sorts of fresh fruits like pears, apples, plums, blueberries, and bananas. Gram and gramps B shared some mashed potatoes with me and boy, I sure loved it! I also enjoyed some ice cream with m&d last night. Tonight we had fish and a little bit of broccoli. I have yet to encounter anything that doesn't appeal to me. It's a good thing too, because a growing boy like me needs all the fuel he can get! Well, I better get going and get a good night's sleep. Poor dad is up way before the sun, always, and this week, I think he is studying to be a rooster. He is working down in southern VA and gets to play in the woods all day. He loves it, but that drive and up at 3:30am, not so much. Mom and I know we are truly blessed to have such a hard working dada to take care of us. Please do me a favor and take care of yourselves too. I will be looking forward to hearing from you and I will post again soon. I have lots of pics to share and Oct. is a big month. You know about Halloween right?! I can't wait. I wonder if m&d will actually let me eat the candy or if they will keep the fruits of my trick or treating labor all to themselves. Keep your fingers crossed on that one. Come and see me soon. Lots of love to all of you ghouls and boys out there, Cooper Boo.