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!