First Day of School

This is a day that I had imagined would have happened when you started kindergarten. However, the stars have aligned and now you're in a little preschool/daycare two mornings a week. I have had a billion mixed emotions about this step, but I am hoping that it turns out to be fun for you and that it helps you figure out the world around you. Your school is an adorable little old-fashioned place. It fits our neighborhood perfectly and makes me think of my own childhood. I hope you love it there eventually.

I had butterflies driving you to the school this morning. I was nervous for you, for me. What on earth would I do with my 4 hours of alone time? I knew I was going to both miss my little buddy and feel like the world was mine for a little while. When we got there, you seemed intrigued and the second your saw your buddy, the two of you ran to the train table in your classroom. That comforted me and made me think, "Silly mommy, he's going to have a blast!" I came over to you after settling your things into your cubby and kissed you bye. You gave me your usual, confident "bye Momma!" and I headed out. On the way to the car, I fought back the tears. I kept telling myself things to make myself feel better. It's only for a few hours a few days a week. He's going to learn so much. It will be good for him. And you. He's going to be fine. Etc etc.

I spent the next few hours running errands and wasting time, alternately. Part of me wanted to get a billion things done and part of me wanted to wander around Marshall's like I was 19 again and buy bunch of crap I don't need. I think I struck a fair balance between the two. :)

So, I picked you up from school, teary-eyed and missing your Momma. I think you were tired and probably a little bit confused as to why I had left you with all of those strangers. Honestly, as out-going as you are, I thought I'd pick you up and hear that it was cake for you. Easy-peasy. But no, you had cried on and off while you were there. Poor Booboo. Not quite sure what to make of your day. To make it all better, we indulged in a little mid-day ice cream from our favorite spot. Maybe Thursday will be better.

Here's some pics of your first day. You're too cute for words in your backpack. It was so heavy that you were wobbling a little bit. Too many ice packs in your first-day lunch. :)

I love you big boy. Happy first day of pretend school. xoxo, Momma

Pals

I know one day soon you'll be inseparable best buds. For now, you're pretty much just inseparable litter mates. Biting, fighting, pinching,hitting, running, jumping, kicking, hugging, squeezing and...the occasional restful moment. Here's one of them:


I hear your grown-up voice in my head, someday saying how much you love Sadie. And it makes me happy knowing that you'll have her through the years. To snuggle, to confide in, to have at the foot of your bed, and to teach you all of the wonderful lessons that come with having a dog.

Please just try not to hurt each other too bad in the mean time...

xo,
Momma

Goodnight Train

"In bed at last. Tucked in and snug. The engines snores a final chug." As one of Cooper's favorite books says, here I am, at last. It's been one of those days. You know, the kind that starts out all wrong, continues all wrong, but maybe ends a little bit ok. The kind of day where I wish I could go back, erase all the angry moments, the yelling, and the little (big) fights between me and Cooper. I'm not sure what it was about today, but I did not do my part as patient mother today. It started with waking up a tad too early after a not-so-restful night's sleep and then an early morning battle over wether or not a nose syringe could in fact be a toy. I feel ridiculous even typing that because normally, YES a nose syringe is indeed a toy. But not today. I didn't feel like picking up the shredded syringe an hour later after Cooper would have, no doubt, left it laying around for Sadie to devour. So I said no. And not gently. Like I sometimes do when my patience wears thin. I just wish it hadn't worn so thin, so early. That was NOT his fault. It was mine. And so the day continued, with both of us acting like two-year olds. I'm suppose to be the adult, right? I'm not sure why but some days I just can't climb up on top and see what really matters most. Like being a thoughtful, respectful and patient mother to Cooper.

And tonight, just as I excused myself from the nighttime routine, to put myself to bed early, Cooper brought me "our" book (My Truck Is Stuck). Momma read (sounds like from his lips- "amomma wreah"). And my heart is simultaneously melting and breaking into a million pieces. He's so forgiving, so adorable, so elastic. It's like all of the yuck from the day never even happened. He's moved on. So I read, and I try to move on. The anger has all washed away and I'm sitting there holding him, breathing through the hair on top of his head. Loving every bit of him. I can't imagine why on earth I'd ever raise my voice at my little guy. The reality is, is that it happens. Because I get tired, frustrated or stressed. Real or imagined. And the impatient momma comes out.

I'm grateful for the bedtime that we had this evening. Thanks for being so forgiving, little man. Tomorrow is another day. And I promise that I will always keep trying to be a better Mom than I was today, yesterday or the day before that. I love you.




You. Adorably eating a pah-ooh-oohl.

Play Doh

I have been too scared to get any play doh for Cooper until recently when I decided that it couldn't be worse than going outside in this Georgia HEAT. I'm glad I decided to give it a try- Cooper seems to love it and I was impressed with how long it captured his attention. Both Bryan and I have had fun sitting down with him and making things. It took mere minutes for me to get over the fact that the colors will not be staying separated. Here's the little dude making red and blue into purple...





I don't have it captured in a picture but my favorite part was when Cooper had the thought to use the little plastic scissors to cut a spaghetti string of play doh off of the spaghetti-maker. Completely his idea and so totally smart and adorable.

PS- Fall, if you're out there listening, please make an early appearance this year. I mean, I love staying indoors and watching tv and eating bonbons all the time but enough is enough.

Me House

When Cooper shouts, "Me House!" it's time to get to work on building a couch house. Sometimes it degrades into a couch trampoline. This is one of those times. My living room has never looked so well-kept as on this day.

Wee-ha! This was fun...









We need these moments during this time of frequent and highly frantic tantrums. Lately, Bryan and I have felt a little like we're living in a toddler war-zone. Yikes. It's moments like these that make me want to do anything in the world for him. I mean, look how happy he is! :)

Pooch

One week ago today, we welcomed a new pup into the Kelley fold. There's a million mixed emotions that have gone along with adopting this new creature- but decidedly, she's been a wonderful addition. As sweet as pie and in love with Cooper. Meet Sadie...







Many thanks to the animal loving folks at Atlanta Pet Rescue for bringing her into our life. Check us out here.

My Big Boy

This morning my heart almost melted into a giant pool on the floor. I loved the little goodbye we had this morning on your way to the sitter's/ mine and Daddy's way to work. Daddy had you headed out the door with your arms full of toys you couldn't leave behind- a dinosaur, a train, puh-e (puppy), and your sippy cup. Almost more than you could wrangle. You happily kissed me bye on the front steps and followed Daddy down the driveway to the truck. I hollered after you, "Bye! I love you!" And you hollered back, "Bye Momma! I uh ooh!" I'm so proud of you for a million reasons. One being how confident and brave you are when we take you to the sitter's on Mommy's work days. You are as cool as a cucumber and I'm so grateful for that. Grateful that I don't have to have a completely broken heart when I go to work and grateful that someday your confidence will help you navigate the twists and turns of life. You are a wonderful little dude and I'm so glad you're mine. xoxo, Momma

Grateful for You

I just wanted to say that today I feel so lucky to have you in my life. Where would I be without you? I don't even want to imagine. Thank you for coming into our lives and being the wonderful little boy that you are. Sometimes, I get wrapped up in a place in my head and forget what I have around me. The last few days have been that way and when I got you out of bed this morning, I was like, "Oh! Hello, You!." There you were, all sleepy eyed and looking for your paci (well, you call it hassy). I asked you if you wanted to get out of bed and you said, "mhmm". I love you little pumpkin. You're just what I need. Thanks for waking up before I left for work today- I needed to see your sweet little face.

Happy Father's Day

To the wonderful men in my life-

I love you so...

Happy 2nd Birthday

Two candles for our big boy...


A day that was all about you...
This morning, Daddy and I got up with you to hang out before Daddy had to go to work. You were greeted by a birthday banner and a few presents at the table. We had breakfast together- banana pancakes and cream cheese scrambled eggs. Mmm. A monkey cup and plate- robbed from the party supplies for Sunday. I wanted your morning to be special. I think you liked it. You tried several times to say 'Happy Birthday Cooper' when you pointed at the banner. Very cute. You even gave breakfast a fair shake- one whole pancake and about half of your scrambled eggs. Oh, and of course the entire glass of Mango OJ. :)







After breakfast, Daddy headed to work and you and I went to the bookstore to have some fun and search for books. You met a cute little girl that was fascinated by you and you two played together for a while. After the bookstore, we made a quick stop at the playground (park! as you call it). You had sleepy-face from the moment we set out this morning, so we had to go home for a snooze (me &you!) before having more birthday fun.

After nap, we had lunch at Chick-fil-A (complete with very delicious strawberry milkshake) and then went on an adventure to Leaping Lizards- the jumpy place. You were very good at lunch- ate lots and had fun with some people that were sitting nearby. Your smile and silly attitude is hard to resist. Needless to say, you had a blast at the jumpy thing. We went down slides, jumped in all of the bouncy things and just acted silly. I loved being able to hold your hand as we went down the slides together! It was so much fun.

This evening, when Daddy got home, we watched Shrek, ate dinner and went on a walk in your rain boots and new umbrella. After bath, we sang to you and opened one last present. You were so adorable sitting in front of that piece of cake with the candles on it. You looked truly happy and tried your best to blow the candles out. So completely amazing. We are incredibly grateful to have you in our lives. You are so much fun. We love you. Happy Birthday!




Can't wait for your big party on Sunday...

First Haircut

Today was the day! We finally decided to sit you down in Mommy's chair to cut the baby mullet. I love your beautiful little blonde curls so I didn't cut too much off- just a good shaping. You looked adorable afterward and you actually sat pretty still during the cut. Thankfully, you were not interested in the scissors and comb. That would have made it super difficult. Two suckers and a few minutes in the haircutting chair and voilá! Cute new 'do!




Both still smiling in the end! We did alright!

Mommuh! Mommuh!

Today you were in one of those moods...hollering my name just to see my face turn to yours. A little ham, wallowing in the (nearly) undivided attention of your parents. You are so cute- it's hard to find the words to describe how your little personality and your very being, make our hearts melt. You and I didn't have many "alone" moments together today but the one we did, when I was changing your diaper tonight at Gee and Hop's, I thanked you for giving this gift to me- of allowing me to be your Mother. You've made me a better person, made me strong, made life unbelievably magical. Thank you for every day that you've given me with you. To love you, to teach you, to hold you- and for you giving all of that back to me. You're the best son a mommuh could ever dream of having.

Things We've Been Doing

The last few weeks, we've been keeping busy. It's made for lots of fun little memories. I just wanted to write a little something to keep the days from slipping from me. One of my biggest worries (who me? worry?) is that you'll grow up and I'll look back and say, "where did it all go?" So, part of me writing all of this is to be able to go back and re-live your growing up again someday. I try to make every day as special as I can with you- without spoiling you too much. :) Here's some of the fun stuff we've done lately, Booboo. I love you, little pal.

In random order...

A trip to the zoo on the day we purchased the season pass. I was worried we wouldn't go enough to justify the cost or that we'd go once and decide that the zoo was some place that only needed to be visited once. I was wrong! We had a lot of fun and we went back again last week and had a unique and fun experience. We'll be going many times this summer. You love running right up to the flamingos when we first enter the gate. Then, on to the "ephants". This is you in front of the elephant statue.


This is the Friday that you, me and Daddy went to ride bikes on the Comet Trail. We took the day off of work (well, Mommy took the week off of work!) and headed to the trail late morning. You napped on the way there and we stopped and ate Chick-fil-A in the car before we got to the trail. When you woke up, you ate your ice cream and chicken nuggets. We rode bikes for 4 miles, you in the wagon, and then we stopped for ice cream #2. Your first push-pop. You were a fan. You did a great job of riding in your wagon. Every couple of minutes you check to make sure we are still there, "Mommuh! Daddah!" It was a fun ride and a fun day. I'm glad you like riding bikes with us.








You being silly with our umbrella. Birthday present idea #1 is born. I'm on the hunt for a Cooper-sized umbrella.



Lunch with Daddy at our favorite spot, La Fonda.



One of our first days at a new park that opened near our house earlier this year. We just started frequenting this one a few weeks ago. It's always empty but has fun equipment and a really springy ground under it. You met a little girl the first time we went and she loved playing with you. She let you shove her down the slide over and over. You let her climb up the slide in front of you every time. Fair is fair. :)




You helping me make dinner. You're getting to be pretty well- behaved in the kitchen. You have started pushing your chair up to the counter and playing with the things we set you up with. Gone are the days of grabbing ALL of the spoons, can openers, wine openers, etc out of the drawers and scattering them about the house. Thank goodness...eek, one of my least favorite things you loved to do. Oh yeah, this is the face you make when we tell you to "smile" at the camera. It's hilarious. Squished up nose and squinty eyes.


Rolling out sugar cookies one day for a fun activity. You called the dough, "kee doe", for cookie dough. Very cute. The cookies were not. But, they tasted good! And you did an excellent job of rolling the dough.


Our evening fun as of late- you, me and Dah, hanging out in your bedroom before night-night. There's diaper changing, pajama putting-on, book reading, and...wrestling!!!!! It's so much fun and you really get a huge kick out of it. We love playing with you and making you laugh. Here's a few pics of you and Daddy spinning to make you so dizzy you fall over when you try to stand up on your own. Whoa, whoa, whoa!



Love you, little babe. I look forward to more of this.