Springtime is here!

Cooper just turned 10 months and we're headed into a beautiful early spring here in Lowell.  He will be walking (well, stumbling at least) before too long and we can't wait to show him all the beautiful flowers and let him listen to all the birds chirping and playing on the lawn - so much to do!  This is Dada's first post and I'm hoping to catch up on the last few months of events and special moments and share some snapshots we've taken along the way.

Here we go...

Dada and Coop enjoying a bottle...

Some "Oma time"....

Our first Lowell National Park trolley tour ride!

And, the Flat Stanley Lowell tour.

Hard to see this one - but this is Cooper's first Home Depot trip.  I know, I know, he looks soooo thrilled....he gets it from his mama....

Holiday Firsts

What a wonderful holiday season!  Not only did we celebrate Coopy's first Thanksgiving and Christmas, but we did so with family and loved ones.  In late November, we swung by the mall to get the quintissential photo op with Mr. Santa Claus himself.  Coop was mesmerized by the winter wonderland in the Burlington mall and perfectly content to sit on Santa's lap.  Wonder how long that will last...

The Christmas Eve norm is to spend the evening at April and Shaun's house, eat and drink heartily, and participate in a rowdy and competitive Yankee swap. This year did not disappoint!  Cooper debuted his little Santa outfit and couldn't get enough of all the new and familiar faces. 

Christmas morning was heartwarmingly special.  My mom and I celebrated Xmas together for the first time in eleven years, and Cooper was in awe of all the shiny paper, ribbons, and bows.  Most of the presents were for him, though we treated ourselves a bit as well. :)  Coop's favorite bit was the packaging and tissue paper.  He excitedly tore through the gift bags and tissue paper, and got through 7 gifts before he was ready for a nap! 

We spent Christmas afternoon with Evan's parents, siblings, and relatives in Beverly for more food, merriment, and gift exchanges.  We were all pooped by the end of the Christmas fun!

Winter Wonderland

It has been a rare winter season with minimum snowfall... We got a few inches several weekends ago and took advantage of the flurries to share the experiences with Cooper.  All bundled up, we spent ten minutes in our backyard to watch Coop sit in the snow, lie there like a cute, cold lump, and take a family photo.  He didn't seem particularly fazed or in awe of this particular nature experience.  I think I had more fun than Cooper did... :)

I Just Can't Get Enough!

He's too sweet and squishy and cute; I have to share these bathtime photos.  Yes, Cooper has graduated from his infant tub to the real thing...

Solid eating, Coop!

The week before Thanksgiving was momentous.  After watching Coop watch us eat and snack, with mouth open and drool dripping, we finally decided that he was ready to attempt solids at six months of age.  He was so excited and gobbled the cereal right up!  We then introduced pureed sweet potato, apples, peaches, green beans, and peas.  Clearly, green stuff is NOT a popular option... but fruits are tasty!

Eeeewwww, green beans!  Really, Mama?

Just Because He's Cute

I'm posting these photos for no particular reason, other than I am madly in love with little Cooper and want to share his cuteness...

Coop is now almost eight months old, and thriving.  He eats well (still prefers milk over solids, but we're getting there), is growing like a weed, loves to play with toys, books, and watch the older kids at daycare.  He especially loves watching the boys and interacting with male family members and friends. Uncle Shaun might be his number one favorite after Dada and cousin Nolan!

Loving on Uncle Shaun

Snug as a bug in a rug

Bouncing = one of the most favorite activities!

reading with Oma

Supporting Nolan at his Boy Scouts Pine Wood Derby

Three Generations

Don't have much to say other than I love these photos that we took while Oma, Coop, and I were out for a hike.  How great to get a photo of the three of us, and I especially love the photo of Cooper laughing while holding a fern.

Coop truly loves being outdoors, even when it's super cold.  Check out those wind burned cheeks and nosie!