Happy Engagement

Pretty exciting news, folks...My brother and his lovely girlfriend Tina are happily engaged!

Ryan popped the question after an 11-day anniversary celebration.  The setting was perfect. The ring is (large and) shiny.  And most importantly, she said YES!  I am so incredibly happy for my brother and his soon-to-be wife.  I can't wait for her to join our crazy, awesome family.  

No date set...yet.  But whenever and wherever they decide to say "I do," it will surely be a day filled with excitement, joy, and oh so much love.  Congrats lovebirds!  

Where is "Home?"

 

In my opinion, the word "home" is a tough one to define.  It's very personal.  It can be a physical house, it can be where you live now, it can be where you come from, it can be where you feel you belong, etc. 

 

"Home" for me is a loaded word. 

 

It's no secret I don't consider Nashville my "home."  But could Nashville become my "home"?   Eventually?  Eric and I moved here together a year into our relationship. We got engaged here. We returned from our wedding / honeymoon as a married couple here. We had Cooper here. We bought our first house here. It's a great place to have a family. It's a booming city. The food is great. The cost of living is super reasonable. We have made some really awesome friends.  Eric loves his job, and I will likely love my new gig, too.  I even had this moment on Thursday of this week when I was driving to meet Eric for lunch where I looked around at my surroundings and my sunroof was open, the sun was shining, the trees were so green and full - it was truly such a peaceful, beautiful moment.  I thought - this could be "home." But it just isn't. Not yet. Probably not ever. It's just too hard to be 2000+ miles from family, especially now that we have a little big addition. But it certainly has been a lovely place to live for the past 4+ years, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. Nashville will always be very special to me...hence the decision to switch Cooper's middle name from Anderson, to Nash at the hospital. I always want to remember where I had him, and where so many good, truly very good things happened...no matter where we end up.

 

So, I keep saying my "home" is where my family is:  Southern California.  I would be so happy if I got to spend more time with my family (family, friends, etc - they're all family).  I would do almost anything.  That said, I don't really want to move back to California when I think about it - unless we suddenly become millionaires and traffic miraculously becomes a non-issue. ;) 

 

Then there is Arizona.  Could Arizona be where we plant our roots and call "home" someday?  Arizona holds a very special place in Eric's and my hearts.  He loves it there.  He visited every summer as a kid.  (Who knew we had Az in common?)  I spent the majority of my childhood there.  It was such a great place to grow up.  It is very close to California, without most of the headaches.  Whenever we visit, we exhale.  It's like we know we belong there.  So, maybe we'll end up there.  Maybe it will be "home." 

 

But in the end, I suppose my "home" is wherever I am with Cooper and Eric.  As long as I am with them, I am "home."       

 

 

True story.

 



     

Dumb Dilemma

What a dumb dilemma I've been having with myself.  I fully acknowledge that what I am about to ask is ridiculous, but let me have this, okay?   

 

What's my dilemma, you ask?  Brunette,or stay Blonde??? 

 

Here's the deal:  As a new mom, it's hard to find time for yourself.  Sincerely, I would rather wake up, put on sweats, and play with Cooper than take a moment and try to make myself up for the day.  There isn't really time for that, anyway.  Being a mom (and ya know, a wife) is very selfless and it's common that the last person you take care of is yourself.  It is by far the coolest gig I've ever had, so truly...I'm not complaining.  That said, I don't have the time to treat / take care of myself the way I used to.  I don't really treat myself to mani/pedi's anymore.  I shop for diapers, groceries, and house stuff, instead of jeans, purses, and accessories.  I don't remember the last time I purchased and adequately put on make-up (instead it's a total haphazard sh*t show that ends up looking like I did my make up in 5 minutes, in the dark, at 5:00 AM right before baby boy wakes up...which I probably did).  Ahhh, how times have changed (for the better, obvi).  What I do make time for, when I can, is a hair appointment.

 

I have an appointment with the most fabulous hair stylist in Nashville on the 15th.  I've always wanted to try being a brunette but I am a total chicken.  Instead of just diving in, I dip my toe in the shallow end and have gone a few shades darker than I am, but ultimately end up hating it because it washes me out.  I always end up back where I started.  Don't get me wrong, I like being blonde - love it, in fact.  I feel like it matches my personality and brightens my face.  That said, there are just a few reasons that keep nudging me closer to the edge of the brunette diving board, making me wanna jump in the deep end. 

 

1.  Being and maintaining blonde is freaking expensive.  I can really only afford to go once every 3 months, which isn't often enough if I don't want to look like a hot mess.   

2.  It's time consuming when I have an appointment.  At least 3-4 hours.  Sheesh.  Not saying it would be any different if I went brunette...but, ya know. 

And most irritating of all...

3.  After I get my hair colored, about a week later it looks like I am wearing a brown headband when I pull my hair back...can you say ROOTS?  They're evil.  Ugh.

 

So I was all set to go until I emailed two girlfriends who are super hot blondies that tried the brunette thing.  I have to say, both of them would look amazing with a shaved head, dressed in a brown sack, so it's not really fair - but I wanted their opinions on how it made them feel, and if they liked the change or regretted it.  Here's what they had to say:

 

"People treated me differently.  I didn't get noticed as much, but some people took me more seriously.  It was an interesting social experiment, if nothing else."

 

"I regretted it.  I thought I looked good until I looked at photos and tried on clothes...nothing looked good." 

 

So with a week before my appointment, I have no idea what I want to do.  Thoughts?

 

Stay a blonde, or try *this* shade of brown (my head with Jessica Biel's hair - my hair won't look nearly as glamorous ever, but you get the picture)... 

 

 

 

     

8 Months - Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Happy 8th Month, Big Boy!  Daddy & I love you
to the moon & back!

8 Months has come and gone...Seriously!?!?  Where did my baby go?  He grow'ed up, y'all.  I told Eric I am kinda' sad that my baby is a big boy now, and he said, "Uhh, until he is walking and can feed himself, he's still a baby - so you can't be sad."  Haha.  That said, this month was a game changer and I imagine they all will be from here on out.  So much has happened, and we're so grateful for all the support we've had over this past month. 

Big News:

- As I mentioned in a post below, I've accepted a new job as a Social Media Marketing Manager / Consultant for a Digital Media company in Nashville.  You can read about it HERE.  I am super pumped about this opportunity and I start on the 13th!  I will be setting up my home office this and next weekend.  I am excited and nervous to embark upon this new journey.  Here goes nothing...

- Cooper had his ear / tube surgery on the 8th.  You can read about it HERE.  It was a toughie, but we are so glad we did it!  According to the doctor, his middle canal was filled with thick fluid that had nowhere to drain.  Recovery was pretty easy and was only a day.  Even though he has had ear drainage since then and a bit of a cold...all is well.  He's such a smiley, happy kiddo (except when we put him down for naps - ha!).  We had his 3 week check-up on the 30th - and while his ears are still "wet," they're better and the tubes are still open.  Cooper also got fitted for cute blue ear plugs.  He has to be prepared for our swim class in June (yes I am taking my infant to a swim class), and for Maui, of course.  102 days!   

- Eric and I completed the Nashville Country Music Half Marathon last weekend.  That's 13.1, y'all!  The crazy thing is...it was pouring the entire time.  Literally from before START to past FINISH, it did not stop.  It would have been so easy to wake up that morning and just say, "Nuh-uh, not doing it.  Staying in my warm bed.  Zzzz."  But...we're nuts...and so were 32,000 other people!  I wore a trash bag for the first few miles, but got over that real quick.  Eric said, "It's just water, and I'm a man" and decided not to wear one - Lol.  It really didn't matter beause by the end of the half we were 100% soaked.  Our clothes probably added 5-10 pounds to our weight.  But strangely, when we got going, it was really fun!  We swore this was the last one that we'd do (2 for each of us), but I am fairly certain we'll do another one, and hopefully train properly for it! 

Running for Cooper, St. Jude's
Children's Hospital, Be the Match
&, of course, for Boston.

Right before we drove to the
Start Line @ 5:45 AM.

Waiting to start in our corral in the pouring rain. 
Eric looks way more pumped than I do at this point.

- I know I posted that we were trying to coax the Grandma's and Grandpa's to spend the summer here so that we could pull Cooper out of day care, get him healthy and strong, save a little money, etc...  Well, I'm not sure I updated y'all.  IT WORKED!  Cooper's last day at day care was the 19th.  Gigi and Pop watched him last week, and now, our AHHHHMAZING friend Kaeli is watching Cooper for the month of May. 

Gigi and Pop are taking June.  Nana and Papa are taking some of July (I'll fill in the rest).  And finally, another WONDERFUL friend, Lauren, will watch Cooper for the first 2 weeks of August before our trip!  Yay!  Then, back to Day Care (or hopefully a nanny)...at least a few days a week.

Visitors:

My parents graced us with their presence for a fun-filled week and a half!  They went to the Masters for 2 days, and then met up with friends to tour and play the Robert Trent Jones golf trail.  They finished up in Nashville.  They went to the Grand Ole Opry and we all went to the Bluebird...and ate...a lot.  :) 

After their buddies left, we had a great, relaxing week with them.  It's always so great to spend time with family.  Coop sure loves them, too!  They went on walks, to the Nashville Zoo, played, bonded...So happy they are able to spend time with us in Nashville.  And guess what?  They'll be back in 4.5 weeks!  Thank you sweet baby Jesus.  

Fun at the Zoo and on walks.

He cried/screamed the whole way home after
dropping Gig' and Pop off at the airport...
No joke.

Milestones & Memories:
- He's chatty.  He said "a-ba-bo" a lot...and now he's saying, "AMom...mama...."  Oh man, be still my heart.

- Cooper got his first tooth!  Bottom, middle.  We've been thinking he was teething since month 2...but, nah.  He was just always sick.  Well...it finally broke through his gums - poor kid - but hopefully he'll get some relief soon!  All the chewing, drooling and runny noses finally make sense, lol.  ;)

- Cooper is eating 3 big boy meals a day, and still a lot of bottles.  

Loving his lunch - Earth's Best fruit and veggie blends.

- He has started to "boot scoot," he also gets on his belly and turns himself in circles, and we're working on the whole crawling thing.  He can get up and has started to rock back and forth eagerly, but so far can't figure out how to keep his knees under him.  His belly is pretty big...I get it, Coop.  Haha.  It's so fun to see him learning new things.  He wants to learn, see, and do EVERYTHING.  Pretty sure we have a genius baby big boy. 

- He has started to hold his own bottle.  He still needs help here and there, especially near the end of the bottle, but I mean...darling, and pretty impressive.  Again...big boy, right?

"Don't worry Pop Pop, I got this..."

- He laughs.  And when he does, oh man, it's the best noise in the entire world. 

- He rides in the stroller now - not the car seat in the stroller.

- We had to buy 2 new big boy car seats.  His baby boy Chicco car seat only holds up to 22 pounds.  I think I mentioned that Cooper is now...24+ pounds!  We decided on the Britax Marathon.  It will hold up to 70 pounds, which should last us until...at least next month. ;) 

Testing it out in the living room.
He likes it so much, it's kinda like
his own la-Z-boy.

- Cooper is having SUCH fun with Banjo and Ukulele.  He smiles every single time that he sees them.  It's pretty precious.  He's still a little grabby, but we're working on being gentle and petting them.  He's darling, and so are the girls.

Here's some Cooper Cuteness to end the post!  Have a great day, everyone!

This face.

Our lil' chunk.  Too cute.

I just love his baby blues.

Super excited to play.

Darling boy.

News from this Working Mama's Desk

I am finally able to share some news, instead of annoying people by posting something like, "I have some exciting news, but I'm not really ready to tell."  Sorry about all that, y'all.  I didn't mean to show you a cake, but not let you eat any of it...so, read on and dig in.  

 

Let's get the rumors outta the way first...

 

No.  I am not pregnant. 

Haha!  Thank you to my wonderful friends on Facebook for starting this hilarious little rumor.  I've had emails and messages asking, "Can this be true?" or, "Is Cooper really getting a brother or sister?"  Nope.  The truth is, I am perfectly content with my one, beautiful, amazing little large man.  He deservedly gets all of our attention (the pugs get some love, too), and believe me, he wears us out plenty.  We aren't ready to add another one to the mix just yet...maybe someday though.    

 

No.  We aren't moving.  Yet. 

As much as I would love to move West...closer to family and our best friends...it's just not the time.  We just bought our lovely home in Nashville where we spent lots and lots of money decorating it and finishing the basement.  Additionally, Eric loves his job.  That is a rare, beautiful thing.  So kiddos, we are staying put...at least for awhile.  And while we do have goals and plans for the future, there is no set date.

Let's eat cake / share the REAL news...

 

YES!  I have been offered and have accepted a new job! 

I'm slightly sad about leaving LBMC because the employees are such wonderful people and my bosses have been incredible and so understanding.  That said, I have been itching to make a move out of Administration for a while now.  I feel that I am too creative a person to spend my time as an Executive Assistant, no matter how awesome the company is.  Additionally, I feel that if there is a way to be able to spend more time with my son, I should take it.  Well, I am taking it, and taking it with a HUGE smile, and a grateful heart. 

   

An opportunity was presented to me by a friend of mine to work for his Digital Marketing department at a wonderful company in Nashville.  My title will be Social Media Marketing Manager / Consultant.  Marketing really excites me and I think I will do extremely well in this position. 

One of the most interesting / exciting parts of taking this job?  It's a work from home position!  So, while that means I am freelance (hello taxes and individual health insurance) - the pros -

...getting to spend more time with my son and hopefully keeping him healthy, getting into a field that actually excites me and has potential for growth, working with a wonderful company and man that I totally look up to and respect (and have fun with!), and having a liiiiiiiiiiiiittle extra time to devote to myself, fitness, blog, cooking, my husband, my family, friends and baby...

- totally outweigh the cons.  I do hope there is potential for this to turn into a full time job in the future - but for now, it's truly ideal.

So there.  No more secrets. 

For now.  ;) 

 

     

"Fat & Nasty"

Actor/Author/Whatever Else Tyrese Gibson was recently interviewed by AllHipHop.com.  They asked him,"What kind of responsibility do you feel as an entertainer, you have to inspire people to live healthier lifestyles?" 

 

His response could have been motivational.  It could have been awesome since apparently (I read recently) he was raised by an overweight Mom and has overweight siblings.  It could have been EXACTLY what "Joe EveryMan" needed to read to inspire a healthier lifestyle.  His response could have been anything else. 

 

Instead, his response was... 

"No two situations are the same. If you are fat and nasty and you don’t like the way you look, do something about it. It’s simple. 

 

When you take a shower and you put your fat, nasty body in the shower and by the time you get out, the mirrors are all steamed up so you don’t look at what you did to yourself. That may sound offensive or insensitive but ultimately, you are big as hell because you have earned that sh*t. You worked your a** off to eat everything in sight to get big as hell.

 

If you got a problem with the way you look, then you need to do something about it. Excuses sound best to the people that’s making them up."

 

Hearing this immediately got me thinking and honestly, kind of angry.  I already have beef with this guy (read below), but this put me on edge so I felt a strong urge to write a response.  It's a near certainty that this will never reach his eyes, but it's important for me to get this out...for myself, and for any person out there who happens to read this who Tyrese considers - and now likely consider themselves even more - "fat and nasty." 

 

First let me say, I understand his comments overall.  I get it.  There is an obvious obesity problem in America that needs to be addressed, we need to take seriously, and we need to do a better job of inspiring living a healthy lifestyle.  Additionally, sure, if you don't like something about yourself, you have the power to work on it and make it better somehow.  Sure, you should value yourself enough to make yourself the best you, you can be (which is a very difficult concept for some).  I get it. I am also aware that there are people out there who are lazy, and choose to eat and live their lives in an unhealthy way.  But is Tyrese aware that not every single overweight person "earned that sh*t"? 

 

Jillian Michaels (who kicks my a** with her work out DVD's - buy them, seriously) was interviewed this morning by radio program, The Bert Show, who asked her for her thoughts, and she said something like..."It's just not accurate...(gave an example from The Biggest Loser). That's ignorant and foolish.  He shouldn't talk about things he doesn't understand."  She is right.  She is tough, she is a bad ass, she is awesome, and she is right.       

 

Making a blanket statement like that is socially irresponsible and it makes him sound insensitive (in my opinion) and extremely unknowledgeable about obesity / overweight people. 

 

Difficult admission:  I have struggled with my weight and self-esteem for as long as I can remember.  I have never been "obese", but I have been overweight by about 30 pounds and extremely self-conscious.  Here's the catch.  It's not because I was LAZY, thankyouverymuch.  It's because I have suffered from bouts of depression and yes, an eating disorder that stretched itself over and haunted me for many, many years.  I am proud to say that I have never been happier and I have reached a place where I understand and choose to live a healthy life. 

 

But really, what does Tyrese know about people struggling with issues like the one's I went through, or things like thyroid problems, genetic issues, etc...?  Are there people that eat their way to obesity?  Absolutely.  But putting every overweight person in one bucket of being "fat and nasty"...?  It's just not okay, dude.      

 

So, Tyrese, I implore you to think before you speak so strongly and negatively about topics which you do not fully understand.  You're a celebrity.  Your voice gets heard.  Instead of making comments that will hurt people who are probably already hurting and stuggling, and instead of making those comments that ultimately make you sound a liiiiiiittle ignorant, why not choose to inspire people to live a healthier life... instead of cutting them down?  Positivity and / or a healthy challenge will go a lot farther.

 

That's just my 2 cents.  It may not even be worth 2 cents to anyone but me, but I am glad I got it out. 

 

 

 

And in case you're curious...   

 

My Initial Beef with Tyrese:

 

I worked at Houston's in Century City many years ago (I believe 2005 or 2006) as a Hostess and Waitress.  We had countless celebrities and people in general dine with us - it was a busy, busy place.  Tyrese came in one day for lunch.  He insisted at sitting at one of our largest tables (that we usually reserve for parties of 6-8) by himself, and his body guard (or whoever) at his own big table by himself.  We accomodated them.  He was rude not overly friendly and he ordered a fairly expensive meal.  We gave him the bill that was nearly $100.00.  His tip?  $2.00. 

 

Thank you, Tyrese.  Those $2.00 greatly contributed to the tip-share that all Hostesses and Waiters split evenly at the end of the night.     

 

 

 

 

 

Cooper's Very First School Pictures

Apparently these photos were snapped when he was due for a nap, and he was already a bit upset because of separation anxiety.  The Director of the Day Care, Cooper's teacher, and the photographer used all of the tricks up their sleeves to try and get a smile out of the little boogar, but he was not having it.  After these particular photos were taken...he cried for the rest of the shoot.  I've requested to see the crying pictures...lol...I think they'd be darling (sad, sure...but darling). 

 

 

Cooper's First Surgery

Today was the big day.  Cooper Nash's very first, and hopefully only, surgery:  Tubes.

I couldn't sleep ALL night.  I was so nervous so I just stared at the clock.  I got up at 11:40 PM and got him a big ol' bottle since he couldn't eat after midnight.  He sucked it down crazy quickly and went right back to bed.  That's my little buddy.  The alarm was set to go off at 5:00 AM but I was up, and checked my phone:  4:56 AM.  So I got up and started getting ready.  Eric got up at 5:00, too.  He took care of the puggies while I got the diaper bag ready for lil' toot.  Then, I got him out of bed, all ready to go, and carried him to his car seat.  Little dude barely woke up and didn't even whine.  My angel baby.  

Eric and I made a stop at Starbucks because we were earlier than we thought, and let's face it...We needed it.  5:00 AM is kinda' a jerk.  Especially after not sleeping.  ;)  

We arrived at Baptist Hospital Surgicare and Little Toot was still sound asleep.  After I checked us in, I tried to prepare myself for what was about to happen.  I know.  It's tubes.  Totally routine, and not anything crazy.  But...he's my child.  More than that...he is my INFANT...and he was going to be put under.  Scary for any parent, I think.  Anyway, I was a mess and just wanted to hold and hug him all day.  He woke up and we played for a bit before they called us back to the surgery area.

I carried him and Eric took the stroller back to the area where they do the pre-op check.  They did and said a lot of things that I can't even remember because all I did was stare at my boy.   He was a total champ.  Eric and I thought he'd be screaming because he was hungry, or tired, or pissed, or confused...nope.  Perfection.  We talked to 2 nurses, an anesthesiologist and our doctor...I barely remember anything.  Only when they said, "Do you have any questions?" I broke down and said, "Just take really good care of him, please."  They all smiled, and said, "We will.  Don't worry."  Then...hardest thing ever...I handed him over to the nurse, and she took him to the operating room.  My arms and heart were empty.  I cried.  All the nurses in the pre-op room reassured me that it was tougher on me than it was on him, and that he was in excellent hands.  Eric hugged me.  Man, I needed that.  

We headed back to the waiting room and 10 quick yet endless minutes later, the nurse came to get us.  I said, "Is he done?  Is he okay?"  She said, "Yes."  I said with a huge sigh of relief, "Oh thank God."

The doctor came in to talk to us and told us that it was a good thing we got the surgery because the fluid that was in his middle canal was very thick and wouldn't be able to drain itself.  He told us the care instructions and said we could go into recovery to see him.  (PS - Doctor Crook is awesome.)  

The nurse came to escort us back and warned us that he was unhappy and crying - which was totally, 100% normal.  It wasn't from pain; it was from the anesthesia.  I repeated that in my head over and over as I headed back to see him.  He was screaming and my heart broke into a million pieces.  The nurse handed him to me but told me to hold his head since he was a bit "wobbly."  I kissed him so much and tried to feed him, but he only took 4 ounces.  He just wanted to be held....and honestly, he wanted to scream.  We put him in the stroller and after about 15 minutes...he stopped.  He stopped and snoozed.  Our boy...what a trooper.  

Top:  Pre-surgery.  Playing with Mama and Dada.
Bottom:  Not so happy, post-surgery.  But he is our Cooper Trooper.

My big boy.

When he woke up, we played.  He napped for 2 hours in his crib, and then about 30-45 minutes on my chest (heaven).  Then we played some more (light play - we were warned not too much since he may be groggy) - and he's back down now.  I hope tonight goes well - for us - but mostly for him.  

So, for 5 days we give him antibiotic drops - he can go back to Day Care tomorrow - and hopefully, all will be well.  HOPEFULLY, no more ear infections!  Cooper deserves a happy, healthy life.  I think we're getting there...  About time, right?   

Our baby.  He's...everything. 

7 Months with Cooper Nash

This baby boy has brought me so much joy, love, happiness, deliriousness, exhasution, pride, illness, excitement, and so much more these past seven months.  Best of my life.  Life has been hard.  Like, real hard.  But it's been the greatest, too.  I have so much love for Eric and for Cooper, it's insane.  And Cooper, is just...everything to us.  Worth the sleepness nights and illnesses, for sure - haha.  He's our son, and love doesn't seem like a strong enough word...but, I'll say it over and over again...

I LOVE YOU COOPER NASH! 

When he returned to Day Care,
I used my lunch breaks for visits.
Best dates ever.

He's so handsome (even tho I look a mess!).

Let's recap this month with our Little Toot.

Illness:  Oh yes...still.  Worst month by far.  You've seen my previous posts - and if you haven't, here's a quick summary:  Influenza A.  Another ear infection.  Tubes are coming on 4/8.  Little to no sleep (which I know new Mom's say when they get like 5-6 hours of interrupted sleep...but I swear, little to no sleep was had).  All that said...it seems the worst is over.  (Knock on wood, say a prayer, rub Buddha's belly, throw salt over your shoulder...I don't know.  Whatever is good luck!  We'll take it all.) 

His first smile post-flu.

I am still fighting off whatever I have.  It's relentless.  Eric appears to be back to his wonderful, healthy self.

Family Vacation:  Well, it's official.  We ARE going to Maui and California this summer in August!  I can't wait!  Yes, it's expensive...but we need a break, and it just seemed like the ideal trip for where we are right now.  We're obviously hoping to see as many friends and family members as possible when we're in California - but don't want to waste the majority of our time there in a car, on the congested freeways, stuck in ridiculous traffic that would send even the most calm person over the edge.  Gotta love California.  Perhaps we'll plan a dinner in a central location and invite a bunch of people to say hello and meet the Mini Cooper.  Thoughts?

My Grandmas:  Prayers.  That's all I got for now. 

Visitors:  Eric's folks came, and extended their stay to help with Cooper.  It was awesome to have them here, even though the first week was spent taking care of all of our illnesses, namely Cooper's.  We are excited for their return in July. 

The fam at Edley's BBQ.

With Nana and Papa on Easter.

We also got an amazing visit from a friend named Willie who we haven't seen in ages and we adore.  I hope we see more of her!  :)

Personal:  Half Marathon?  What Half Marathon?  Oh, the one I am supposed to be doing in less than a month?  Yeah.  Eric and I will likely be walking 90% of it.  All of this illness has really brought me and my energy down.  Eric and I also recently quit the gym because it's hard to go anywhere with a little one, but purchased some videos and exercise things for our home.  We have that huge basement...might as well use it!  :)  I got a bunch of the Jilliam Michaels DVD's...and man, she's awesome, but ouchie.  So far, I've done Yoga Meltdown and 30 Day Shred.  Tomorrow:  Killer Abs. ;)

Eric and I shared our 3rd wedding anniversary on March 20th.  We had an awesome dinner at Peter's Sushi, and instead of going to grab a drink or dessert somewhere else, we rushed home to spend time with our boy, and Eric's parents.  Eric's folks spoiled us with 6 bottles of Paso Robles wine, and my parents sent a lovely check to help pay for the backsplash (or whatever we want) in the kitchen.  The backsplash is GLASS and that is the traditional 3rd year anniversary gift. ;)  They're so clever.  Eric and I exchanged cards, ate cupcakes, and toasted champagne.  We decided not to do gifts this year since we have so much coming up, but Eric included a lotto ticket in my card.  It said, "I know we said no gifts this year, so I figured I'd get you $260 million instead."  Well...we didn't win, but I laughed for a really long time.  He's so cute and creative.  I'd choose him every time. 

Speaking of anniversaries...my parents just shared their 40th year together!  My brother and sister threw a surprise party for them in California.  I wish we could have been there...seemed like such a fun event, celebrating the two best parents in the world!

Cutting the cake...Cute!

Milestones and Memories:  Cooper is such a joy.  When he was sick, we cuddled and cuddled some more.  When he started feeling better, we played and played!  His smile and laugh are...the best things in the world.  Seriously, this kid has me wrapped around his pudgy little fingers. 

Happy boy!

Seriously handsome.  Watch out, ladies!

So photogenic, right?

The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades. 

He's still rolling over like a champ, but hasn't quite gotten the hang of crawling and he pretty much hates tummy time.  It lasts all of 30 seconds before he starts whimpering / crying.  I am 99% positive that he'll walk before he crawls.  He always wants to stand... 

...And jump.  Oh man, does this baby love to jump - in a jumperoo, or while you're holding him (and let me tell you, that's a GREAT work out for your arms...especially when your baby weighs...TWENTY POUNDS!)  Here he is in the jumperoo at Day Care...Daddy loves this one.

He has been enjoying playing with the pugs.  We're working on petting, and not yanking - but he's fascinated with and loves them.  Watch (and listen to) this ridiculously cute video.  Melt.

He still loves to make the raspberry (or as Gigi says, motorboatin') noise, which cracks me up every time. 

Since he had the flu where he needed to be held, loved, comforted, rocked, etc...he hasn't been a stellar sleeper.  Okay, he hasn't been a sleeper, at all.  We're working on getting back to normal.  Normal being waking up once or twice to feed (we are weaning though) / reinsert the paci.  

I am happy to report that his appetite has returned...full force!   Our little chunk eats 7.5 ounces a feeding, and sometimes I really feel he could do like 8-10.  He also gets 1-2 bowls of stage 1 and 2 foods mixed with formula and either oatmeal or rice cereal twice a day.  I mean.  He's a hungry boy! 

He was out of day care for a while because of illness and because Gigi, and Nana and Papa were watching him...so when I dropped him back off - the separation anxiety kicked back in.  He cries and reaches for me every time I leave...it's heartbreaking.  I miss him so much.    

Baby boy and Daddy are sure loving each other...I could watch them all day.  It really is something special to witness.  I am one blessed lady.  Look at the love...

Daddy came home from golf ready to play!

Handsome boys.

"We all" decided to get up SUPER early
before work on Tuesday...It was actually
a nice morning with my 2 favorite boys!

Cooper is obsessed with golf.
Watching it, and soon to be playing.
Obviously, that makes Daddy proud and
VERY happy.

My All-Stars.  I love this one.

We had a lovely Easter with the Kambestad's - watched movies, relaxed, and Eric and I cooked.  It was a perfect way to end the K's (extended) visit with us.  Thank you to the K's for our baskets, to Yai and Tina for Cooper's goodies and to my parents for Cooper's new Baby Einstein dvd, and our Starbucks gift card!  Yeah...we'll use that.  We'll use that real good.  :)

So cute - with his laughing Duckie.

Thank you Yai & Tina for my Easter Basket!

Happy Easter, y'all.

Here's some cuteness to end this post, and hopefully make you smile!

Bath time mohawk!

I love this one...look at that face!

Will Spring ever come?  More snow.
And a cute baby.

Cooper had his FIRST EVER school picture on Wednesday...
this is one of the outfits I packed for him! 
I can't wait to see them - even though he cried the whole time, apparently!

XOXO,

Mama KK