Shoes:"I do it by myself"

About a week ago, Cooper has been saying "I put my shoes on myself". Well, I finally took some pics of Cooper putting on his shoes by himself. Its hard to believe he's growing up so fast! When I see this I'm reminded of how time really does fly.



One shoe on.


Second shoe. This one Cooper had to take off and try again because of the flap.


Cooper holding the flap to help.


Almost done!

Usually putting on shoes takes a few extra minutes but it makes Cooper feel so happy. I noticed in this pic Cooper picking at his fingers. (right hand) Usually, Cooper will do this if its worried or nervous. I know how sometimes Cooper just does it. This is something I used to do a lot! Its funny how genetics works in different ways.


We were going to the library. Cooper said, "I need my back pack". He can put his back pack on himself.




"Let's do it, mommy."


Grandma's hat that was made for Chris has become Cooper's hat. He loves wearing it when its cold.

When we arrived at the library, we were told the library was closing at 1:00 due to bad weather. We had plenty of time but the bad weather was SNOW! More to come on Cooper and the snow.

Toilet Reading

Cooper has started "mommy I need my book" when he's going to be "awhile" on the toilet. We ended up putting the book in the photo under the sink so he could have it whenever he needed it.

Cooper's "I'm all done now" and then "I wipe myself?". Well, he still needs some help with getting off the toilet seat and wiping.


Cooper's happy face!

Loving Ranch

On Thursday, Cooper had a peanut butter & grape jelly sandwich I packed for him. I was unpacking Cooper's lunch/snack bag and found his sandwich eaten but with something I didn't pack: Ranch dressing. I couldn't help but laugh out loud. I know Chris and I love Ranch but I don't think I would like it on a peanut butter & jelly sandwich. I can hear Cooper saying," Barb, please I need Ranch".

"I'm too shy"

Today I told Cooper we would be able to go to church, since we were feeling better. Cooper said, "mommy, I just stay here and play". I said, "Cooper, you will be able to play at church with toys and your friends". Cooper said,"I'm too shy". Chris and I looked at each other like what do we say. My first reaction was to try and change Cooper's "shy" feeling into a happy healthy feeling. This is what Cooper's face looked when I dropped him off at church.


Chris was parking the car when I dropped Cooper off in the 2 and 3 year old class. I walked away thinking of Cooper's "I'm too shy" phrase going through my mind. I did the big no-no: I walked back. My heart dropped. There was Cooper in the same spot picking at his fingers and looking too shy and sad. I thought should I go rescue him? I wanted to but I knew that wasn't best. I went back and met Chris in time to walk in and sit down. The sermon was great and I was able to worship without worrying about Cooper. I knew that Cooper was safe and hopefully happy.

After church service, I stopped and picked Cooper up a doughnut. Chris walked ahead to get Cooper. Chris said Cooper looked happy but was picking up toys by himself. We asked Cooper if he had fun and he said "yes". I still feel a little bit sad about Cooper's experience today. I mean he told me how he was feeling and I actually witnessed his feeling in action. I'm thinking about talking with the teaches maybe next Sunday before dropping Cooper off. I don't know. This is Cooper's face of yes I'm happy and saying cheese for the camera.


Can't help but just want to protect Cooper in every way possible, even from his own feelings.

3 Fingers

Cooper received his 3rd haircut today. This is Cooper saying "I'm not 2 anymore I'm 3".


One of many looks Cooper gives.


I wish I had a shot of Cooper sitting in the hair salon chair holding his nose. Some hair got in his nose so he decided the cure for the 2nd half of his haircut was holding his nose. It was too funny. He'll probably he getting another haircut in 6 months. He looks like a little boy. Makes me sad and happy at the same time. He's growing up too fast but I'm loving his new world and the way he sees it.

Happy 3rd Birthday

When Cooper and I got home, this is what welcomed us. Cooper was so happy!




Present time...open here Cooper.




Cooper said a few weeks ago he wanted a "back pack". He said immediately "my back pack".


He wanted to wear his back pack right away. He also had 2 new puzzles. Letters and numbers.


Cooper's 2nd present...Hot Tamales


Soon after the presents we loaded the car with Cooper and his back pack to his favorite restaurant, Red Lobster. He loves looking at the "lobster in the lobster home".


Waiting for Chris to park.


Cooper removing the plastic from his straw the best way possible.


Present time from Papa and Granny.


Cooper opened his birthday bag and had a bear, 2009 Quarter dollar collection...


...a coloring book with markers that only work on the pictures.


A birthday card the same as his back pack.


Cooper wanting to cut his biscuit in half.


Cooper loves the Cajun chicken Alfredo pasta. He also had 6 pieces of shrimp.


Singing birthday song with ice cream sundae.






A little unsure of the ice cream sundae.


At first...soon after this face, Cooper said, "Daddy, it needs to cool off". Cooper doesn't get ice cream at home. It was just a new feeling. We told Cooper it was supposed to be cold.


Wanting to try again.


And he likes it.


Saying goodbyes and thank you! Say "Cheese"!




Aunt Patty.


Goodnight to a big 3 year old!

Almost 3 Years Old

After Cooper's first dentist we headed to library downtown. We've never been to this library but Cooper was in awe. We rode the escalator. Cooper first time and he was amazed at the "moving stairs". I found this book and we'll read it tomorrow.


The downtown library was a lot bigger and had a lot more to offer. Cooper was amazed with trees inside the library. "Why Mommy?". Well, I always try to explain but I simply put "so all the kids can enjoy the trees inside too and I think the trees look beautiful where they are". Cooper said, "you're right mommy".


Puzzles.


There was a wall full of books and these round seats. Cooper moved and lined the seats in front of this glass/see-though house. Cooper loved looking in the house. "Mommy, look a guitar and piano". "What's it doing in there?" Well, again, how to answer this question. "Well, Cooper the library wanted to make a small house so you could look at and enjoy it. The glass house is a decoration." Cooper: "Oh,okay".




"Cooper its almost time to leave." We stayed a few more minutes looking at all the items in the little house.


Its hard to believe Cooper will be 3 tomorrow!