Pre-Party

First birthdays are kind of a big deal in our house. (And judging by Ella's second and third birthday, only first birthdays are a big deal. Once you are old enough to remember your birthday, Mom decides she no longer feels like throwing a big party).

Anyway, this weekend was filled with planning and decorating for Coop's big day. From the pics below, you can see what a big help the kids were.

Brian loves this photo. I think this kid looks crazy. (Yes, he needs a haircut. No, we will not oblige. I've always wanted a shaggy haired little boy :)

Party planning dissolves into wrestling. Brian stated earlier in the day that he's pretty sure Cooper is stronger than all of us. I think this picture proves it.

That Other Birthday

Between Ella's birthday and Cooper's birthday, another member of our family tries to slip in her birthday. She would be happy just letting it slip by unnoticed, but the rest of the family makes sure it is a special occasion. Thank you all :)

I have no idea what I'm talking about.

One of the best parts of my birthday. (I'm lookin' tired, but hey, it was after a full day of work).

There are a lot of candles on that cake.

Cooper feeding himself his bottle. Means it is a lot less work for the rest of us :)

Waiving hi. He also waives, and says -- plain as day -- "bye-bye." So cute!

Guess there was something funny in that water.

What kind of trouble can I get into in here...

Almost A Year!

I am always a little late putting up these pictures ... but anyway, here is Cooper at 11 months! This year has gone SO fast -- so much faster than I remember with Ella!

How big is Cooper?

My little Valentines!

Phone Pics

Just a few pics from my phone...

Puppet shows at Nana's.

Loving Mimi's spaghetti.

First time at the dentist! She was a bit hesitant at first, but then was so brave. She demanded to hold the suction thing. It was kind of like being in an operating room. The dental assistant would say "suction" and Ella would pop it right in her mouth.

Many of you have seen this on Facebook -- but this crazy man managed to crawl into this cabinet. I had no idea it opened! I left him in the family room for two minutes. When I came back, I seriously thought someone had taken him! Then I heard him giggling in the cabinet. I have no clue how he got himself in the tiny door and didn't get stuck with his head at the bottom of the cabinet!

He's Back!

Daddy's back from India (thank goodness!) and look what he brought for Ella!