Thursday, March 13, 2008

I Got My First Haircut, Whoowee!









Hi to all, how in the world have you been? Better here, I am happy to report. I am officially afebrile. I wish I could go all the way with that one and say I am feeling 100%, but the irony of it all is that I have FOUR teeth coming in as we speak. Can you imagine? I can't think of anything more painful for a little guy, although I know poor mom is coming close in that race. She called her Dr. tonight and begged him to get her in to see the surgeon ASAP. He is going to work on it in the morning and I think she feels a little bit better knowing there is light at the end of her tunnel before this Thursday. Besides the fact that is cutting it awfully close to our big vacation...we don't want to take any chances on that because we are all VERY excited. It sure did get hairy here in the Bryant household for a while with all of these illnesses, even poor Sam got in on some antibiotic action, as you can see from above. As you can also ascertain, he was none too happy about taking his medicine. I hope you also enjoy my warrior pose; I think I almost have it perfected...all I am missing is a little face paint and I would look like the real deal! Guess what mom and I did today? We went shopping...I actually let her try on clothes for the very first time in a year! I am such a good boy, of course, you know mom thinks so above all. My reward for this awesome behavior was some books for my Easter basket. Now, call me crazy, but how is it a such a big secret when mom and dad keep talking about it and buying things for it right out in the open? And I am here to tell you right now, mom better not pull that stunt where she takes toys I already have and puts them in my Easter basket. I am a little miffed to admit she didn't think I was smart enough last year to figure it out. I told her not to mistake kindness for weakness, I knew all along but was simply too polite to point out the obvious. So if you talk to her, please pass along this very important tidbit. All in all, teething included, I had a pretty good day. I am not napping the best these days, but I did sleep until 10 till 9 the past two mornings. I do, however, want to point out, I was up for a quick nip both mornings from 5-6am. These parents of mine are LAZY, and boy, do they LOVE their sleep! I have to shake it up every once in a while to keep them on their toes if nothing more than for a little perspective. Now for the news, I received my very first hair cut one week ago today...I am going to be straight out with it, I look like a movie star. Of course, my stylist (read, our neighbor, Ms. Crystle) came over to our house to make me over. You wouldn't believe how good I was for the whole event. You should have seen m&d, mom snapping pictures as usual and stuffing pecan sandies down my throat, dad, holding Lily and keeping her entertained while Ms. Crystle worked her magic. Don't tell mom, but I would've been the same without all the cookie bribery. Nonetheless, I thought it worked out well. I also want to tell you I am officially brushing my teeth AND feeding myself applesauce with a spoon. This is the only notion that cheered me during mealtime today. Mom said she'd never seen 4 ounces of applesauce stretch quite so far. I think she was beaming with pride and maybe a little jealousy as I am getting to be such a big boy. Speaking of, you should hear me talking up a storm! I am trying to make it clear for these two knuckleheads, but I guess old people aren't very good listeners. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, mom had quite the compliment today. She was checking out at American Eagle and a sales chickie told her that "my mom would really like those pants!" I thought mom was going to knock her out! Talk about feeling like an old cronie! Anywho, I am also happy to report that uncle Bart is officially home and I will be seeing him within one week, yippee. We will be visiting with him, Deb, Cody, and Connor on our beach getaway. I haven't seen mom and dad so excited. We are even taking Sam with us. M&D are a bit put off about that as it will cost more for him to stay than the three of us put together. Mom has the game plan all figured out to maximize beach time and we will be leaving UB Thursday after dinner. You know how those two love staying in hotels! That way we can be to the beach by early Friday afternoon if all goes well. More news, our friend, Cyndy Smell passed the kettle bell certification this weekend and kudos to her. Not only is she a force to be reckoned with, she had the courage to spend the weekend away from the triplets. I don't think my mom will every be able to do it; she swears she is going away to college with me! Don't laugh, I don't think she is joking! Well, I better get going, pray for speedy entry of my canines! UGH! We'll be in touch. Feel free to call us or simply drop on in for a visit. We'd always love to have you. Until then, you're in our hearts and minds. Love to all of you, hugs and kisses too, Cooper B.
PS: Don't forget to leave out some carrots for the Easter bunny!!

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

In loving memory of Lawrence 'Eugene' Sloan, Dec 28, 1925-Feb. 25, 2008








Heidi ho! How in the world are you doing? I'm ok, seems like I can't shake the sickies. This cold weather has been pretty hard on a little guy. Although, the first news is, I am not so little anymore, you know I am a whopping 13 months old now. I am eating m&d out of house and home. As you can also see above, I am now practically feeding myself. Pretty soon, I will have to get a job to help pay for the groceries around here. Mom already has me in training, and as you can see from above, I am quite the quick study. Good and bad news to report here...first the good, mom and I have been together non-stop since last Thursday, how about that?! We are doing everything together including being sick. She has a nasty looking sore throat (according to dad, "it's a mess in there"), she had him check her out with the otoscope. Mom thinks dad may have some undiscovered talent, though he would have to work on his comments, you can't say that to an actual patient according to mom. Anywho, she says it looks alot worse than it is. And now the worst news, for those of you who don't know yet, or haven't heard, my great Papaw Sloan passed away Monday morning, Feb. 25 at 10:07 am. It has been a very rough few weeks for us here in UB, but we are reassured to know that he isn't suffering any more. The best part besides knowing he is at peace is that we got to see our family, albeit on a whirlwind tour. Mom and I spent the past two weekends in WV, first to see Papaw and then this past weekend accompanied by dad for the wake and funeral. It was so hard on poor mom; thank goodness dad was there to help and supervise me. At one point I think he may have needed a sheep dog! The services were short and sweet, just as Papaw would have wanted. Grandma Sloan is doing as well as can be expected; we hope she will soon have peace too with the unfairness of it all. That was about all she could say about it, "it's not fair". We can't imagine how hard it must have been for her. It is always a blessing to see them all and I know mom has been having a hard time since we've been back missing her family and wishing she wasn't far away in times like these. We're sure working on it, so keep us in your prayers. I am afraid also to report I have been up to no good since I have been back. Sunday, I discovered I have quite a temper (mom says it must be from dad)! I threw my very first fit, poor mom couldn't figure out what happened, she started to panic and almost cry before dad informed her of what was going on! Afterward, I was playing with my new favorite toy, an umbrella stroller purchased during our travels, and can you believe that thing had the nerve to be difficult? Well, I showed it, I yelled at it every time it didn't go my way and when that didn't work, I am a little ashamed to admit, I bit that crazy stroller (repeatedly)! Mom and dad watched with complete shock and awe. I think I even saw a little fear in mom's eyes. She doesn't know what to do with the new side of Cooper B. First I wowed the two of them and my family with my charm and giving out kisses to my relatives and m&d. Then I come home and all heck breaks loose! You know I have to keep those two on their toes! More great news...guess who should be coming home tonight? UNCLE BART!! He may be there as I write this glorious news to you. Other good news...17 more days until our BEACH trip and we get to see him there! Yippee! We also get to see cousin Cody, meet aunt Deb, and celebrate cousin Connor's bday with dad. Mom and I have been busy getting bday and Easter ready for dad. We think he will be excited to see what that Easter bunny has in store for him. Some not so good news, mom goes back to work tomorrow...YUCK! I know she wants to cry just thinking about it. Maybe some day, when we get back to WV, she can only work 2-3 days per week. Wouldn't that be the greatest? We're looking forward to seeing the Smells this weekend and dad's crossfit certification is coming up soon. Join us in prayer that this weather is here to stay. Mom is so sick of winter we may have to commit her if it turns cold again! She whispers stories of year round warmth in my ear when we are freezing cold. Maybe some day, she says, and hopefully before she's too old to walk in the sand! You all take care out there and know we are thinking of and missing you. Once this weather breaks would be a perfect time to visit exotic, downtown UB. We would absolutely love to have you any time. We are actually airing out the rooms today just in case! Don't forget to wish aunt Amber a very happy birthday tomorrow and please keep great Grandma Sloan in your thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. You'll be hearing from me and my antics soon. Lots and lots of love and big kisses to you! Cooper B.
PS: Hello to you beautiful aunt Linda...we are both surprised and flattered to now know you are such a blog fan. Please say hello to your family from us...I can't tell you how wonderful it was seeing you and Cindy. When we are feeling down here we think of your warm smiles...maybe some day we can get down there to TX to pay you a visit...until then, we're thinking of and missing you.