HAPPY THURSDAY and HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT MARCIE!!

HELLO OUT THERE! HOW IS EVERYONE DOING? WE ARE GREAT, THURSDAY IS OUR NEW FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK. IT WOULD BE PURE PERFECTION IF DAD HAD THURSDAYS OFF TOO. WISH ME LUCK TODAY , I GET MY BIG BOY SHOTS. Mom is dreading it, but I keep trying to tell her I'm tough like dad and not to worry. You know her, always borrowing strife...c'est la vie, HA! Yesterday was our friend Marcie's birthday...we didn't get to call her but we were sure thinking of her. We hope she had one terrific birthday! Crazy news...yesterday mom discovered a nearly $6000 charge on our credit card we didn't make! Don't worry though, our bank already took care of it. The nerve of some people. You wouldn't believe how tall and handsome I am getting, just like dad. Mom and dad can hardly take their eyes off of me! I am doing well at Ms. Michele's. Mom still misses me so very much, but she is reassured to know I am being loved, cuddled, and well taken care of...oh yes, don't forget my new friends, Zach, Sara, JJ, Cole, and Lily (who gives me kisses and hugs almost every day). Mom will try to get a picture of the gang and Ms. Michele to post for you. You know I am 9 weeks old this week?! Almost 10 weeks now. Mom and dad can't believe it. They love me so much. I am getting so big and strong and a little independent. I like to hang out in my swing and play baby Einstein. Mom is working on trying to get me to grab a rattle. I am holding my head up super great and crying so much less now that I have a repertoire of coos, ah-gahs, ahh-goos, and smiles to express myself. Some of my outfits are now 6 month old size...I can't wait to visit my families in May and June, we are all very much looking forward to it. Hopefully we won't have to wait that long to see everyone though, we sure have loved the visitors since I have been born. I think mom and dad are just a little jealous because they used to complain about never getting guests! Ha, I can't help it, I'm irresistible! OH! Almost forgot, mom and I are so excited, next week we get to be together Thursday, Fri, Sat, Sun, AND Monday. How wonderful is that?! We can't wait!! Other news, dad got new tires for the Honda so we will be safe coming home from Ms. Michele's together and he is going to put new struts on it this weekend. Wish him luck and me luck today as well at my 2 month well visit. Write, call, or come and see me soon. You won't be sorry : )! Lots of love with hugs and kisses, Cooper

Rain drops keep falling on my head...

Hello everyone! How are you on this fine Saturday? I am great. Started the day well rested...I slept almost 7 hours last night! Of course this is at Ms. Michele's, my babysitter's, expense. She is very happy that she is getting a few 30 minute naps out of me thus far. Boy do I have her fooled! Ha, she carries me around all day! Mom says we are going to have to pay her double, ha! I even slept for about 2 hours on Wednesday for her. Mom is a little jealous as it took her about 5 weeks to get me to do that! Little does she know that I just love to hang out with her and I don't want to miss anything. You should meet all of my new friends! They are so cool and they love me already! Can you blame them? Mom tells me she counts down the minutes to the weekend. Really only Monday and Tuesday are the worst (mom says anytime she has to leave me it's always bad) then we have Wed. morning until 1 and Thursdays off. Then Friday and it's the weekend, yippee. Mom tells me every day she can't believe she actually ever gets us both out of the house and gets to work. Those of you who know her well will certainly agree! Dad's birthday was a great one, mom made him dinner and we both got him cards. I splurged and bought him a gift certificate from Home Depot. We went today and he got a new wheelbarrow. Maybe one day he will push me around in it! Very exciting. Mom also got him a dumbbell and a Johnny Cash box set. If you ask me, she was pretty excited about that "gift" herself! Funny, her car is the only one with the cd player! I am taking a nice nap right now, I know, I am an amazing multitasker (get that from mom). Mom talked to aunt Cyndy this morning and great aunt Pat. She really enjoyed hearing from both of them. We have guest babysitters coming in July, and I just had to share the news. Gramma and Grampa Bryant are coming down to see me July 20-30th! Isn't that wonderful? I can't wait. We also have some trips coming up...one in May to WV and in June for cousin Kirk's graduation. Cooper Bryant...little guy on the go. Who would have imagined? Gotta go, my tummy's rumbling. Take care and write or call me soon. Love, Cooper

Happy 31st Birthday Dad!!

Hello! Sorry it has been a while. Now that mom is back to work we don't get to post as often as we like. Hope everyone had a great St. Patty's day. We sure did. We had a whole house full of guests! Gramma Bryant was right when she said I sure know how to bring the visitors! Mom and dad are so thankful. You know mom is now back to work. She is doing ok, better than I thought she would. She misses me terribly I know and most days she leaves crying, but once she gets to work she says she is busy and with patients and pumping; she is speeding home to me before she knows it. Monday was the worst for both of us, but we are adapting. I am really great for mom in the mornings. We get ready together and she is able to get out the door on time. We even get to Ms. Michele's with enough time for mom to sit and chat and hold and feed me. Very nice for us. Mom's patients Mr. and Mrs. Hoover bought me the cutest outfit to her work yesterday. Wait until you see it! I will send a picture. So...today's dad's birthday AND cousin Connor's; isn't that exciting...Mom and I have some special things planned for dad, of course. Dad already got two b-day cards, one from gramma Bryant & one from great grandma Hively! Gotta run, more later, but I am HUNGRY!! Lots of love and think of us today, Cooper

PS: THANKS A MILLION FOR YOUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS MONDAY!! I KNOW IT'S HOW WE MADE IT THROUGH THE DAY. Thanks esp. to great aunt Pat, papaw Bill, Gramma Cheryl, & aunt Heather for calling to check on us and wishing us well!!

My exciting upcoming weekend

HELLO!! How is everyone out there? We are doing great, and once again, I am resting comfortably in my swing. You should see how handsome I look today; I never cease to amaze myself!! I had a pretty restless night last night, spending much of the night sleeping on either mom or dad's chest. Do I have them wrapped or what?! Dad took me downstairs for a while and rocked me too, what a great night for me! Mom says I took too long of a nap yesterday evening and that was the "problem". She says she won't make that mistake again tonight. First of all, I didn't see there was a "problem", I quite enjoyed my nap last evening. Secondly, I am very uncertain as to what she meant by mistake because I had a jolly good time last night. Maybe it has something to do with how tired they both looked this morning. Mom even called dad on his way to work to check on him and tell him thanks for his help. Then she mumbled something about him being a stud for getting to work without coffee...they are so weird. Ok, on with the news about my big weekend. First I would like to wish a VERY happy birthday to cousin Kelley in WV, hugs and kisses to her. Also to my handsome uncle Bob who I can't wait to meet. We have a friend in Minnesota, Gary Andrews, who shares his birthday with uncle Bob on the 17th. Lastly, a big happy birthday goes out to Mason Halfin, my friend, who is turning two, also on Saturday. Woohoo, wish I could share cake with all of them. We ordered daddy's bday cake yesterday. I hope mom lets me stick my hands in it, German chocolate from Snickerdoodles, my favorite. Aunt Amber and the Costello gang will be here this evening and I am so excited to finally meet them. Then tomorrow cousin Stephanie and her gang, including Sawyer D. is coming to visit. I may have already told you about it, but I can't wait. Let's also wish them luck at the horse races; win some big bucks for us!! Ok, better run, almost time to eat. I will try to write on Saturday to wish you all a happy St. Patrick's Day. Steer clear of the green beer! Lots of love, Cooper

7 weeks old today!

Hello! How is everyone out there? I haven't heard from many of you in a while, but I know you visit often to read about me and I will keep the posts coming your way! This past week was a great one. Last Monday the 5th was aunt Amber's birthday, Happy Birthday to her, we hope she liked her "bouquet of flowers"! I have been such a happy boy! You wouldn't believe all of the smiling and cooing I have been doing for mom and dad. I found my voice and I sure do like to hear it! This past week in pictures was portfolio worthy if I do say so myself. So be sure to check your email as mom got the pics out this morning. I hope you like them; I am sure you will. If you don't get them, please let mom know and she will send them right away. Also you should see how coordinated I am getting. I am moving my arms and legs like crazy. Mom stopped by her work on Thursday and they weighed me, I weighed 12 pounds 4 ounces! I swear mom thinks she is the only woman in the world to deliver a 9+ pounder and live to tell about it, haha. Give the poor lady a medal why don't ya?! Everyone at mom's work was happy to see me and equally shocked at how often I have to eat. Mom has been trying to tell everyone, but no one seems to really get it. We got a phone call from cousin Stephanie yesterday. It made mom feel so much better because she truly seemed to understand. Her son, Sawyer, is now 6 months old, actually yesterday, I believe. Great news, they are coming to see us this weekend on Saturday. We can't wait. We hope they will be forgiving as mom may/may not have time to clean house by Saturday. Of course, I am not sure what she possibly could mean by the may not! Ha ha. I told you I am wearing all 3-6 month big boy clothes, dad said yesterday I will be drinking 10 ounces by 6 months! Mom says she hopes I get big and strong, but not 10 ounces! She is barely keeping up with me as is. More great news...no supplemental formula for me for the past 4 days! Isn't that wonderful?! Thanks goes out to Heather and Cyndy for their advice; those herbs are working. What mom won't do for me...she is taking 18 pills per day, plus her pre-natal vitamins! If that isn't love, what is?? So just when things are going well, mom has to go back to work on Monday. She cries every day about it. I tell her not to worry, I'll be great, and Ms. Michelle will take extra special care of me. So we are gathering my belongings and getting everything together to go over and meet Ms. Michelle for the first time tomorrow. I am so excited; mom says she is a wonderful person. We are thankful for her that is for sure! It's nice out today so we are going to run, just wanted to give you the latest and greatest. Also...last item for now, aunt Amber might be coming to stay this weekend, but we haven't heard back from her; I'll be sure to let you know. If not, maybe they can come next weekend and celebrate Dad's 31st birthday! Ok, that's the news for now. Love and kisses, Cooper.

More news...

Oh, sorry that I almost forgot, but I have more good news. Dad is buying me a fence! Of course it is for Sam too, but I am so excited. He has so many great plans for our house and yard. WE ARE THANKFUL FOR THAT BECAUSE MOM SAYS SHE HAS NO VISION?! WHATEVER THAT IS, I HOPE I GET MINE FROM DAD! ALSO, MOM FOUND OUT SHE HAS LOST 28 POUNDS SO FAR AT THE DR.'S OFFICE. IS THAT AWESOME OR WHAT?! SHE WAS SO HAPPY, ONLY ABOUT 10 MORE POUNDS TO GO. THE OTHER NEWS IS THAT WE SOLD THE EXPLORER. IT WENT FOR ABOUT $100 LESS THAN DAD WANTED IT TO, BUT PERFECT TIMING SINCE WE SOLD IT ON SATURDAY, THE SAME DAY THEY MEASURED FOR OUR FENCE! NOW WITH THAT AND OUR TAX REFUND, MOM AND DAD WILL HARDLY BE OUT OF POCKET FOR OUR FENCE, ISN'T THAT A BLESSING?! WELL, GOTTA RUN, AS YOU CAN LIKELY SEE BECAUSE OF THE PRINT, I AM EATING AND IT IS HARD TO EAT AND TYPE AT THE SAME TIME, EVEN FOR A PRODIGY LIKE ME, HAHAHA. OH YES, THE BEST NEWS OF ALL...WE HEARD FROM B&C AND UNCLE BOB IS BACK TO WORK AS OF YESTERDAY. HE IS DOING WELL AND ALMOST FINISHED WITH HIS TREATMENTS. THANK GOODNESS. PLEASE KEEP HIM IN YOUR PRAYERS. OK, LOVE TO ALL AGAIN, COOPER

ps: THESE TWO HOTTIES IN FL, LEAH AND RILEY, SENT ME A FETCHING OUTFIT AND SOME SLIPPERS! YOU SHOULD SEE HOW PRETTY THEY ARE, JUST LIKE THEIR MOM, RAFFIE. I LOOK LIKE HU IN MY SLIPPERS! CAN'T WAIT TO MEET THEM AND THANK THEM IN PERSON FOR THEIR THOUGHTFULNESS!

6 weeks old already! Can you believe it?

Hello! Believe it or not I am asleep in my swing. I am amazing that I can sleep, swing, and write to all of you at the same time. Mom says I am a prodigy, whatever that means. She's so crazy. How is everyone doing? I am great, I think mom is finally figuring out her job a little better. She tries so hard, I sort of feel sorry for her. We had more visitors since I last wrote. Debbie from mom's work stopped by for a few hours on Friday with her dog Ace. She was on her way to Morgantown, WV to see her son who has recently been wait-listed for their pharmacy program. We are keeping our fingers crossed for him. Mom's friend Niala came to see us on Saturday, all the way from Funchester, VA. We had a nice day. Dad brought them lunch from the Italian deli and some cannolis (yum!). I will post a picture of me and Ms. Niala. Mom and I were already out and about for the week too. Yesterday she went for her 6 week check up and everything was great. We then went to the family birthplace where I was born and the nurse who helped so much to deliver me held me and fed me a bottle. Mom was surprised she remembered us, but she is sending her sister to see mom when she goes back to work. Isn't that something? Mom made some cookies and a thank you card for the nurses...she also made a bunch for the volunteer firemen of Union Bridge. We are going to take them to their meeting tonight as a thank you for saving our house. Mom was so thankful and happy on Sunday to get time to make the cookies. I am such a good boy! Mom has been freaking out about going back to work; she doesn't want to leave me, that's for sure. Doesn't help when everyone is like, you can't take him to a babysitter! She feels bad enough as it is, besides, dad may get rid of her if she quits her job less than a year after her graduation, haha! Just kidding. Right now we are working on him to get me a jumperoo. Have you seen them? I really think that mom wants it so bad so she can try it out. Dad put her through a workout yesterday evening. She says she is sore and she was moving a little slow today. However, in her defense, I am getting awfully heavy. Now I have outgrown all of my stage one diapers, so we have to get more today. I think the fact that I am getting SO big is making her feel much better about breastfeeding me. It's hard not to listen to everyone who means well, but it just takes time and patience. Our nurse from yesterday's visit congratulated mom on her milk and definitely reassured her that we are doing fine. What a relief! I thought I was going to be stuck with that smelly formula all the time! Haha. I better run. We are heading to Westminster today for some herbs (of all things) and diapers, of course. Mom and dad are saving up because I am soon going to need all new clothes. Thanks again to everyone for all of the wonderful outfits and blankets, etc. you got for me. You have kept me warm and happy with your thoughtfulness. Ok, I promise to write soon. Love to everyone! Cooper

My visit from Aunt Marcie

Hi everyone! It's me again. As we speak, it is official, I LOVE MY SWING!! Yesterday we had a landmark day. You guys wouldn't believe how much I am growing and changing; mommy says right before her eyes! I am holding my head up for long periods of time and giving out smiles to mommy and daddy. I am sleeping for about 3-4 hours at a stretch every night and I eat every 1.5 to two hours during the day. Mommy says I am so considerate! Mommy and I have been out THREE times this week! Can you believe it? I told her not to worry, you can teach an old dog new tricks!! Did I tell you I have hung out in my bouncy chair every morning this week to let mommy shower, get dressed, and even put a little makeup on. She thanks me profusely every day, but I figure it is the least I can do since she loves on me so much and takes such good care of me. Then I slept alot in my swing and even relaxed in it awake for a while so mommy could vacuum up all of the Sam hair and straighten up the house for Marcie to come. Am I the coolest, or what?! Aunt Marcie brought lunch for her and mom and some awesome shirts and socks (I am outgrowing all of mine) and a super awesome learning puppy for me, I can't wait to play with it!! She also brought me some Shout as I had a little incident with my outfit yesterday. Mom has been having a diaper discrepancy, but don't worry, we remedied the problem yesterday after I proved to her that YES, the swaddlers ARE too small by peeing down my leg AND hers! Needless to say, I am no longer wearing the swaddlers. I also enjoyed a warm bath in my tub that Bob from dad's work gave us. I love the bath (most of the time). Mom and aunt Marcie hung out and ate lunch, of course, they held and fed me (mom not Marcie) and then they even enjoyed some birthday cake of Gramma Bryant's and coffee. They had a great time, and oops, I wasn't supposed to tell about the birthday cake, oh well! We are really going to try to get down to Linden to see Marcie, Ben, Aiden, and Jake's new house. Hopefully we will get to do that soon. We miss her and all of them already. Thank goodness Marcie came to visit because I am pretty sad about not getting to see uncle Bart. We were really looking forward to it, but daddy didn't get home until 5:30 this week and that would make it hard for us to go to the city and back. Of course he understood, but we sure do miss him! Our little family is flying solo this weekend, there's vacancy at the Bryant hotel for the first time since mom and dad brought me home. I know it sure isn't me, it must be them! Hope you enjoy the pics, I have to run. I am beginning to change my mind about my swing for a second. Love to everyone, come and see us. Cooper B.