Chocolate Bar by Cooper

I went to the grocery store this afternoon and when I left my child was reasonably clean. When I returned about an hour later, that was not the case.

Jon and Cooper came out to help carry the groceries inside and Cooper was covered in something that I assumed was dirt.

I was wrong.

"What happened to you buddy? You're a mess."

"Oh, well, I tried to make a chocolate bar"

Huh???

When I walked into the kitchen it was a disaster.

Chocolate fingerprints were all over the counter, cabinets, microwave and fridge.

This was what I saw in the sink.

"Coop, what in the world???"

"Well Momma, I was hungry and really wanted a candy bar but we didn't have any. So, I took some chocolate chips, melted them in the microwave, poured them onto a plate and stuck them in the freezer. Then I tried to eat it."

"I see. How did that turn out for you?"

"Not good at all Momma"

I'll say.

I'll give him an A for creativity and resourcefulness.

Other than that? Epic FAIL.

Hope you're week gets an A for more than just creativity and resourcefulness!!

Brace yourself....

We've been waiting for this for years...braces.

We went for a consultation at the orthodontist today. It wasn't at all what I expected- which isn't a bad thing at all.

Our consultation lasted for 90 minutes and was a fantastic experience. Maybe I think that because at the end of the visit I didn't need to sign on the dotted line to begin treatment. Or, maybe it was a combination of really friendly people, a cheery office, a doctor with a sense of humor and a concierge who knew her stuff.

Regardless, we walked out with a plan. Oddly, the plan didn't include braces (I know- SHOCKING). Evidently our sweet kid doesn't have enough teeth to warrant any closing of the existing gaps and we're 2-3 years away from all heavy metal.

The plan does include some oral surgery. Eek.
Most people have 32 teeth. Our kid...has 33.
Technically a supernumerary left upper lateral incisor. And it must be extracted.

Here's the detail.....the original copy of this xray now functions as the front page of Cooper's notebook. He's all the rage in 5th grade!



Anywoooo....we've got an appointment for another consultation to discuss removal. Poor little thing. He's excited though- and will tell anyone who seems even vaguely interested all about "the extra tooth that needs to be yanked". If you see him, feel free to ask.

So, a few more years until braces but in the meantime we're clearing the path for the right teeth to come in and fill in that gummy/toothy grin.

Gotta love that kid!!!

Milk-

It does a body good!



We picked Cooper up from camp today....what a difference a year makes.
Last year as soon as I drove up to the cabin, Cooper ran towards me at top speed.
This year, Jon and I drove up and got a nonchalant wave when he saw us.

It was a good feeling- and one that pulled at my heartstrings.
We got in the car, took a quick tour around the camp and headed home.

I offered him some milk as soon as we left the gates....his face was priceless.
It's hard to know exactly what the situation was, but he says that they only gave kids milk in the morning for their cereal. I cannot fathom not giving kids the option of drinking milk with their meals- sheesh.

Did he love it? No.
Did he have a good time? Yes
Does he want to go back next year? Not to this camp- he has a new appreciation for the camp he attended last year and I think we'll try to make that happen.
Did he have some funny stories? Yes!
Is he glad he went? Yes.
Is his confidence higher than when he left? Yes.
Is he glad to be home? YES!!

Are we glad to have him home?? YES, YES, YES!!!!

Missing Him...

I am missing this little kid right now!
He's at Camp for the week and is probably having a blast but that doesn't change the fact that it's sort of lonely on the home front.

I can't wait to go pick him up on Saturday- last year when he came back he had so many stories and he had grown so much in such a short time. I'm so proud of him for going and for facing his fears about being away from home.

Come on Saturday!!!

because....

i want to be sure to remember the moments that melt my heart when he has no idea i'm watching!!

Funny Kid

Cooper came down wearing this sock combo and said-

"Hey Momma- look carefully at my socks. Tell me what group I'm wearing."

I didn't get it.

He said- "Momma- think about music groups and look at my socks. Think hard. Which group are they??"

I had NO idea.
I tried, I thought, I pondered what songs we had listened to together recently that might have given him an idea.

Nothing.

So he said, "think about the colors and the order that the socks are in. I think that will help you."

I gave up.
I didn't have a clue.

"Momma- see how the green sock is 1st...what does that remind you of? The earth??"

"MOMMMA- It's EARTH, WIND and FIRE!!!!"

Where does he get this stuff?
(and how long did it take him to put 3 pairs of socks on?)

I've got to give that kid props....he's got some pretty eclectic taste in music for a 10 year old!!

My boys-

Today is a special day.

10 years ago today, my sweet husband became a father.



I love this shot. Cooper actually took it and if you look closely you can see both of us reflected in Jon's glasses.

10 years ago today, our lives changed forever.

10 years.
A decade.
Double digits.
It doesn't seem possible.



He's simply the sweetest, most kind, thoughtful, funny, loving, considerate and dedicated child on the planet. I love his little brain, his sense of humor, how independent he's become, how easily he's accepted the challenge of completely starting again and how excited he is to start each new day.


Happy Father's Day to the man I adore and to a wonderful dad.
Happy Birthday to the best kid I know.

I love you both more than words can say.

Love,
Momma

Free Roaming Pets...

Cooper and Jon went to PetSmart today.
This is the conversation I had with Cooper when he called me using Jon's phone.

Me- Hi honey
Him- Hi Momma, it's me!
Me- Well hi buddy, what's going on?
Him- Momma, we're standing in front of a guinea pig. I was wondering whether I could get one for my birthday.

Me- Ohhh, wow buddy. You know, I don't think that's a good idea.
Him- Why not?
Me- Well, I think maybe Gypsy would eat a guinea pig.
Him- No Momma, that won't happen. This guinea pig would live in a cage so Gypsy wouldn't be able to eat him.
Me- Hmmm, I still think it's not a good idea. What about a nice fish instead?


Thankfully they didn't come home with either. (whew-dodged a bullet there) It makes me laugh that clearly he thought that I thought there was an option for a guinea pig to NOT live in a cage. Have you ever??

Funny kid!

(my word, has it almost been a month since I last posted. I have been so nuts lately...good thing vacation is just around the corner!)

how do you eat this???

We went to a party yesterday...a surprise 50th birthday of epic proportion. The unsuspecting birthday girl was treated to about 150 friends and neighbors who turned out to celebrate in her honor.



We had a great time, met a ton of new people, ate amazing food and were entertained by a band who played until the wee hours of the night.



But quite possibly the most memorable part of the night was when Cooper tapped me on the shoulder and said,

"Hey Momma, how do you eat this??"



Jon and I have fond memories of attending an annual craw fish boil in our pre-Cooper years.....




And were more than happy to pass the experience on to him!

Here's to good friends, good food and making new discoveries!!

The 2nd 1st Day of 4th Grade

When we moved, we made the decision to leave Coop in school in Richmond. We thought it would give him some continuity and lessen the stress of moving. It was the right choice, for all of us at the time.

As the months have passed though, Cooper developed an interest in changing schools and that interest turned into a question about when he'd go to the new school...and then a request, "can i go to the new school". And Jon and I decided that if he was asking it was probably a sign.

It was- and it's been the best decision for all of us.



The 2nd 1st day of 4th grade was fabulous and full of change.

It started off with a good luck snuggle from a really great pup.



Notice that he's wearing a t-shirt. No t-shirts in private school....but in public school they are allowed. Cooper is over the moon about that!

No bus stop at private school either....



And if there is no bus stop in private school, that means no bus.



I felt like he was in kindergarten as that bus pulled away. I managed to hold it together but did follow the bus to school to meet him and make sure he was settled!

Day 1 went well.....the kids were so welcoming, his teacher is a doll, the bus driver is kind, the cafeteria holds promise (another 1st for him), and he's feeling completely comfortable (which is HUGE!).

Best thing for him about the 1st day? Not getting assigned the "haunted locker". What a good thing THAT is.

Can't wait for Day 2!

CIAA

One of the benefits of driving for hours each day with Cooper is that we have some really great conversations. It's the only thing that I'll miss when he transitions to his new school.

We were chatting yesterday and he started asking me questions.

Cooper- "Momma, do you know what SMPA is?"
Me- "Yes, St. M Parents Association"
Cooper- "That's right. What about the SMBA?"
Me- "Yes, St. M Basketball Association"
Cooper- "Ok, this is a hard one. What about the CIAA?"
Me- "Ummm...Colonial something Athletic Association?"
Cooper- "Nope, not even close"
Me- "I give up, what is it?"
Cooper- "It's the Cooper Is Awesome Association"
Me- "Well, I absolutely need to join!"

I love that little kid, he really is awesome!

Minimize it

This picture has nothing to do with my post...it just makes me smile. This is Aunt Kathy and Cooper at her big 5-oh birthday party. I love his grin and how adorable he looks in those crazy glasses. I also love how much they love each other!

I want to remember his goofy little grin (and those adorable baby teeth)..I also want to remember the funny things that he says. They are coming less and less often these days but every once and a while he says something that is priceless.

Coop and I were driving home and he was telling me about something on the computer. He explained that he couldn't see the whole thing at one time on the screen....

He said, "Since I couldn't see the whole picture, I decided to minnie mize it."
It was like he was saying Minnie Mouse except minnie mize.

I couldn't resist...and I made him say it again. Except he's getting too smart and he said- "you know the word momma, I'm not sure exactly how to say it."

"Minimize buddy. Minimize."

I wish I could minnie mize him....and keep him in my pocket all the time.
So sweet that one.

growing up

My sweet kid is growing up so fast. It makes me dizzy.
I took this picture to commemorate a pretty big milestone.
Cooper took his 1st Communion.


Although it's a big milestone it happened with minimal pomp and circumstance. That's exactly how Cooper wanted it and I actually can't argue with him on this one.

He was ready, solemn, excited, nervous, prayerful and pretty proud of himself.
We were proud too.


My sweet kid is growing up so fast.

search history

Tonight I used Google to research a feature on my stove.
Except that when I started typing, another recent search popped up before my eyes.

"how to talk to girls when you are 9"

I blinked, read it again and ran to find Jon.
All the while fighting back the tears.
As you might imagine, Jon was of no help.

This search happens to coincide with a request on the way home to stop and get some Sour Patch Kids for "Meghan".

Here is what I know about Meghan.

1) She's 9 too.
2) He's not sure whether she has any pets-
3) She has the glossiest brown hair and brown eyes.
4) Her favorite candy is Sour Patch Kids.

There are so many things running through my head....
The biggest one?

STOP GROWING UP SO FAST!!!!!



I need you to be little and snuggly like this pic from 3 years ago for a while longer (like maybe 20 more years!)

All things taken into account, it could be way worse......
Sigh.

the note

when i woke up this morning, the 1st thing jon said to me was, "you may want to take a look at the refrigerator".

well, good morning to you too!

but after i took a look, it all made sense-



gone to man cave-
goodness, that little kid makes me laugh.

(and so does our fridge- that's another post though!!)

new addition...

for my dear friend polly and her hubs!



isn't he the sweetest?
not only did he luck out with fabulous parents, but his big sister is the cutest!




guess who loves a baby? (hint- it's not me)



cooper is great with a baby- he's so careful and so fascinated by how little they are.

seriously- so sweet.

thanks polly for being such a relaxed new mom and a wonderful friend (not to mention trusting coop with your newborn)!



welcome baby jamison- we're SO happy you're here!!

thankful thursday (fab fun for the fam)

Family traditions are funny and sometimes they come from out of nowhere. When I was little, my dad took my brother and I to see the Harlem Gl*betrotters. He took us because his dad took him. I remember it fondly. Turns out, Jon went to see them when he was little too! He remembers it so vividly that he can even name some of the players.

Last night we took Cooper to see a game, and just like that, the tradition continues!

The Gl*betrotters were in town for one night and they didn't disappoint! What was disappointing is that I didn't take my camera. I SO regret it.

We simply had the BEST time!

Even though Coop had done a bit of research before we went, I don't think he was ready for how much he was going to love it.



On the way home I asked him whether he had a good time.
His answer?

"Momma, I LOVED it!"
"They had some spectacular dunks!"

As a parent there are times when you work hard to make things happen for your child.......and the result is less than satisfying. But when you get a reaction that's so happy, so full of joy and so from the heart, well- there is nothing better.

After the game the players line up around the court and kids can get autographs and have their pictures taken with them. Since I didn't have my camera, my pix are less than good. No matter- Cooper was elated!

His favorite players were Ant & Cheese.
That kid makes me laugh and so do these shots!



Coop & Cheese



Cooper getting Ant's autograph
He slept with the ball last night. That's how much fun it was.


I'm thankful for parents who start traditions
I'm thankful for the means to be able to continue them.

I'm thankful for the staying power of a bunch of basketball players committed to entertaining a crowd and amazing us with their skills.

I'm thankful for a basketball loving little boy who actively pursues the perfect dunk shot.

I'm thankful for my sweet hubs, who waited in line at Will Call for 45 minutes with a smile on his face....all because he knew what was inside and how much our child would adore the experience.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to spend time together doing something that we ALL enjoyed!

What a great night- truly fun for the whole family.

getting ready

I love Christmas...and today I started the journey to get ready.

Garland on the steps? Check
Christmas village? Check
Nutcrackers on the window in the kitchen? Check

Still to come...the tree, wreath, tabletops, and fresh greenery everywhere I can think of.

To help get into the spirit I've been listening to Pandora.
And looking at pictures from Christmas' past.

I found this one....from 2008-



I love the wonder & joy of Christmas!

Tongue and Cheek

Yesterday we stopped at the drugstore to pick up a few things...
Cooper needed a new toothbrush and took great care in choosing one himself.

The one he picked had a tongue and cheek cleaner which impressed him. I didn't give it another thought.

Until, I walked into the bathroom last night and he was rubbing the back of the toothbrush on his cheek. The OUTSIDE of his cheek.

It took me a 1/2 second to figure out what in the world he was doing.

Goodness, he couldn't be any sweeter.
I ADORE that child...



And now, the INSIDE of his cheeks are appropriately maintained too.

Hope you hug your kid today...just like I hugged mine!!

happy halloween

Although my pictures aren't great, I think this was one of the best years in terms of Cooper's costume. There has been some stiff competition in the past- but this year was the 1st time that he decided his entire outfit.

He had an idea and he delivered.



Yup, that's him on the left with his friend L.

Cooper was a Monkey Suit. Get it??
We thought it was hilarious and genius all at the same time.

He found the mask at the grocery store and begged me to buy it.
Then, he figured out the rest of the costume on his own- painstakingly going through every pair of pants until he found just the right ones.

See how the pants have the stripe on the side, just like a tux does??
No matter that they're wind pants. They fit the bill.

I love that kid.
And the best part was how much fun he and L. had on their quest for candy.


But not before a little horseplay on the swings.


It makes me laugh whenever I see them-


The best was that the mask was too big so he had some trouble maneuvering. They'd be walking up the driveway and L. would make a turn onto the sidewalk and Coop would keep right on walking....a little kid in a suit with a purpose (oh, and a monkey head).

L (sweet kid that he is) ended up holding on to Coop and leading him from place to place to be sure that he wouldn't get tangled up in the shrubbery. Now, that's a true friend.

If you know me, you'll realize that this probably wasn't my 1st choice for his costume (or my 27th), but I got so overcome with pride that he did it on his own that it really didn't matter what he was. He loved it, he was proud and he had a great night.

I can't think of a better Halloween treat.

Hope yours was great too!