Show and Tell

First, the show. Look what Mommy did last weekend! I don't have a "before" picture, but she dug out this area for a mini-garden. Can you believe that in addition to dirt, she found 71 bricks?! We decided to use them to edge the garden and as pavers to the place where we hop the fence to visit our neighbor's yard--and still had lots left over! After she was done, our 10-year-old neighbor(who seems to really dig doing things with Peg) mixed in the compost mixtures and leveled it all off. We all added the bricks and I planted the peppers and tomatoes--I also added Kholrabi and Beet seeds along the border edge. I think it looks so cute!













Let's see, what else.
*Max has been asking to go fishing since Monday, so we're planning to do that tomorrow.
*Mommy and I have a date this weekend--I've gotten a hold of Alfie Kohn's Unconditional Parenting dvd via Intra-Library Loan. . .sounds fun, I know. I figured since I can't choke myself completely through his book with out skipping and jumping from here to there, maybe I will be more motivated after watching the dvd. I know, it's shameful. But I have read reviews and most comment on how much more they got out of the dvd than the book, so, I blame the shame on them!!
*Mommy felt the baby kick this week! I think I will nickname the baby V3 for blog purposes.

About This Pregnancy. . .

I've struggled for a while, celebrating this pregnancy. And I feel bad about that. There are a lot of reasons.

Some of our IRL friends have been TTC for over 4 years. Numerous IUI's, medicated, unmedicated, and two failed rounds of IVF. The day I found out I was pregnant, I received an email from them telling us that their 3rd IVF was about to fail, as they were anticipating a miscarriage.

That kind of news, well, it really killed the joy for me. I felt guilty.

Then, some other yucky events for some family members were yet another source of kill-joy.

Then, reading other blogs hearing of couples experiencing yet another BFN or another miscarriage--I was preparing myself for a bad experience myself. Pretty different from the days of our first pregnancy.

I spent so much time thinking about how we don't deserve this, how did we get so lucky? what did we do right? Even though we were the lucky recipients, it was almost as if I was torturing myself with bad thoughts.

We went into our 7 week ultrasound, and I was ready for bad news--even though there was nothing to suggest it. I said to the doctor--I'll believe it when I see it. She promptly responded with a huge smile--"you better believe it!!" I still kind of didn't. Still waiting for the other shoe to drop.

We went to our 12ish week appt. Heard the heartbeat. Still kind of can't believe it, but, starting to get a bit more real.

Our next appointment, our 18 week ultrasound. We saw the baby, the heart, the brain, the stomach, the fingers, the feet, the kidneys, the mouth opening and closing. I'm almost convinced now, that we really are going to have a baby in October.

Dear Baby,

I feel like I have already failed at being the best Mom I can be, by not being in a happy mental place for you. I have done my best to nourish you, and try to protect you from your older siblings pokes and prods as they don't know you are in there yet. Have you felt and heard all the raspberries they blow on my tummy?
We have battled through Upper Resp. Influenza for weeks and have had a long battle with bronchitis-type symptoms. It's my hope that you are benefiting by building lots and lots of immunities to keep you healthy during your newborn months in the cold of fall and winter.
We look forward to this summer with you growing along. You'll be enjoying lots of fresh veggies from the garden, and camping and other fun trips. If you could, try not to suck up too much of my energy so that you and I can join in the fun, and not have to stay behind and rest, ok?
We love you already. MaMa and Mommy

Introducing. . . .

Another member of the family. . .to be making his/her appearance in early-mid October!

Max-isms and other

Last night during a pre-dinner conversation:

Me: Max did you ride a trike at school today?

Max: Yes. But then, Hope and Ashley, they were racing, and they went past me. And, it broke my heart.

Max at age 1 on his first trike--before his heart was broken. . .and yes, he does wear a bike helmet!


Tomorrow is a big day. Check back for an update--I know, my posting is overwhelming--it's either feast or famine!

Max-isms

Last night during our bedtime routine, I was cranky. We had spent some time outside after dinner and as usual, was met with major defiance and some bad word choices by our eldest when told it was time to go inside--despite the fact that we had a pre-arranged aggreement for cooperation when the time came--ARGH! Alas. I sat with them, read books--probably not as enthusiastically as usual, read the prayer and was happy to see Mommy arrive home and come up to provide some backup. We started the music for bedtime, and we were both sitting/laying with them for a few songs when Max started talking about a moment from much earlier in the day. (Mommy had told me about this earlier so I did have a little notion of what was to come.)

Mama, today, when we were going into school, I hit the first button. And then, this lady was holding the second door for us. She was old. AND, she was (said slowly and emphatically)plump. Mommy was taller than her, but she was bigger than Mommy. And she was bigger than me.

Somehow, my crankiness started to subside quickly. Wonder why.

The couple of posts below regarding Max and Cooper have been updated with pictures.

Same old, same old

To those who have come by to actually check for something new. . .

Sorry! Let's hope it's not another month before I post again!!

Super Cooper

We are close to one month before your 2nd birthday. Both Mommy and I agree that you are ready to be 2. Let's run down the list of where you're at, shall we?

Physical:
Gross motor--you run, you jump, you climb, you run, you jump, you climb, you get the picture? you are not a crazy daredevil, but you are not aprehensive about exploring. You love to kick and throw balls. You like to attempt ANYTHING your older brother does, including hitting a baseball. You like to do the stairs big-kid style, reminding me verbally that you can use the railing, and telling me "no" when I offer a hand. You like to ride your bike, but we are feeling that you might be ready for more of a challenge. You frequently mount Max's trike, and we're confident if you could reach both pedals at the same time, you'd be rolling. . .
Fine motor--You like to draw, and just recently you began drawing in circles. You can use a spoon and fork very well, and have been drinking from an open cup for months. You can also manage to insert a wagon into the hitch of a tractor. You can also twist the dial on the retro clock toy that you have enjoyed being able to do all by yourself.
Potty--You have gone on the potty maybe 20 times or so, although you request to go many more times than that. We are in no hurry to make this happen, when ever you are ready. You do want to wear Max's underwear in a big way. A couple of nights ago we put a pair on you over your diaper. You were thrilled.

Verbal:
Your vocabulary is immense, and we find our selves tickled by your use of words. Some humorous ones would be when we ask you a question, you will first respond with "Umm. . .," as if you are pondering the answer. You also will say, "Oh, yeah" One example of this was a couple of weeks ago I was sitting in your and Max's room at bedtime. I got up and went to the bathroom. You began loudly calling my name. I replied that I was going potty. You said, "Oh. Yeah." It's hard not to laugh out loud sometimes. Some more difficult words that you are giving a great effort at spitting out: kangaroo(hang-a-roo), elephant (el-pint), tractor, yogurt, pretzel(beh-bill),outside, wagon, sorry, bunny hiding, stroller, and I'll probably add to this list as I remember more. If I had to guess, I'd probably say you can say well over 200 words. You also will say phrases like, be right back, sit down, lay down, all done, no thank you, have that, some favorite phrases are, mine, no and ouwie. You use the term ouwie for any thing that is happening to your body that you don't like. . .it took us a little bit to figure that one out, but, we've known that now for a couple of months.

Social:
You were described by your teachers as a happy, easy going boy, who has never--never thrown a tantrum. We would sort of agree with this. You are happy--though prone to bring back your old scowl if you're not happy about something. You haven't really thrown a tantrum for us either. I remember that I could mark Max's developement by saying he was challenging from 15-18 months, and when you were this age, not experiencing that. Still now, as you approach 24 months, I would not be able to pinpoint an age range that was particularly challenging. No spikes per say of huge resistance, rather your dial has been set low, but has been consistent for the last few months. You know all of your classmates names, and when you are home will tell us about how Brandon bites. Hmm, so have you on occasion. . . You like to threaten Max with
"the bite" when he doesn't listen to your repeated requests, but actually don't follow through very often.

Affections:
Inside--lately you've been all about tractors and wagons. You enjoy lots of other toys and activities, but this has been consuming most of your playtime as of late.

Outside--Chasing bunnies, Riding your bike, Mowing, digging in the garden, climbing and playing on the gym we have in the backyard, kicking or throwing balls, riding on the swings at the park, going down the slide, and becoming a part of any activity Max has initiated in the back yard.


Food--You eat all fruit excluding raw apples very well. With apples, well, you insist that you can eat it, but end up packing it into your cheeks only later to spit it all back out. The last two weekends we have had sweet corn, and you certainly attempt to eat it with the same technique as I--typewriter style--only with lots of corn left in between. You especially enjoy it when we pseudo-slather it with butter (butah). When all is said and done, we're actually impressed with the amount of corn you actually manage to eat of the cob. You pretty much eat anything we put in front of you, but have to be strategic in the order in which your courses appear. If you've got wind of something better around the corner, you will bail on your current choice and insist on the next. You love ketchup like I love ketchup. You also love hummus--even the batch that I made(which I couldn't believe turned out so well!). You'll ask for pretzels and quickly add the request for dip--which for you is a general term. This summer I would love it if you and your brother would enjoy lots of fresh tomatoes and cukes from the garden.

You don't like it when I leave for work. And sometimes, don't like to be left at school. You have a couple of favorite other people in your life--your cousing Gina (Dahna--pictured above), and our family friend Bethany(pronounced pretty close). One day when Bethany was leaving us, you seriously objected--telling her to sit, and when outside, rumor has it you even pouted. We all thought it was pretty darn cute.





Here you are on the day of your first haircut. It was hard to cut those curls, but it was time. Thankfully, they aren't all gone!!

Maxwell 4.1

Max,

Today marks 4 years and 1 month. Wow, you're really 4. Seems like such a big number to me, but yet, God willing, this is just a small chunk of what will be many years of life experiences together.

We had your teacher's conference recently, and, were really happy for you that you continue to learn and develop skills you will use the rest of your life. Although its tempting to post your high scores and where you are compared with your classmates, we really don't need to. Things that were noticeably more developed: your family portrait, your name(writing in general), and cutting skills. We also have no concerns about your physical coordination/abilites at this age. What's most important is as I said above, you are continuing to learn new things, and, from what we experience outside of school, you do enjoy to learn and experience things.

Now is a time when we are working on some social ettiquette and skills. For example, you will probably have more playmates if you don't make unreasonable demands. When playing basketball with our 10 year-old neighbor, it's not always the best choice to be the boss and make up the rules as we go along, and if neighbor-friend doesn't comply, running into the garage to change "sports" might inspire the neighbor-friend to hop the fence and go home. We are fortunate that neighbor-friend is patient with our 4 year old field marshall. Also, as a result of some classmates with older siblings, you have come home with some rather agitating name calling antics. We are nipping this quickly, and have already seen dramatic reductions. We've also witnessed a few lies. "did you wash your hands?" yep! "did you use soap?" yep! "can i smell the soap?" nope! This too is getting better.

I must admit to you Max, that I am not yet "up" on what is going on for you at this point in your life. All these things above might be typical. You have aged-out of Harvey Karp's "Happiest Toddler on the Block," and I don't have a copy of "Your 4 Year-Old" yet--the books printed in the 70's that when read with a grain or two of salt, still capture the minds and development of the age. Between you and your brother, we have a lot to keep up with-- constantly having to rotate in or out of our parental toolbox of "what works when you encounter situation x."

Right now as I am typing, I find my eyes drifting to a selection from your latest portrait session, and I can't help but feel the happiness and joy radiating from your adorable face. I'll post it above.

Last night when going to bed (finally a night with not a great deal of hoopla) you told me in your pre-sleep voice that you wanted to be Peter Pan. You then said your newest frequent statement, "I haven't been Peter Pan FOR DAYS!"

Since Easter, you have been somewhat interested in death and killing. This has been a challenge for us. We, of course, want to keep you in your bubble and insulated from the yuck of the world, but, you insist that we explore this facet of history, and reality.

Also, since your cousin Jackson's visit, you have been very enamoured with wearing tank tops, shorts, anything sleeveless you deem a jersey. (you accompanied him to a couple of basketball games). You have also been very quick to point out to us anyone outside wearing shortsleeves or shorts. Just about every morning you ask us if it is warm enough for shorts. A few weekends ago we all decided it was warm enough for you to wear shorts outside. You. Were. Pumped. Playing in the backyard, you somehow managed to use your knee to cushion a fall. You then had a dirt smudge on your knee that was in your opinion a "scrape." Anyone within eyesight or earshot was told and shown the scrape. You even stood at the front sidewalk and hiked up your shorts to show people driving and walking by. It was very disappointing to you when you received no response. It was damn cute.

At then end of the day, Max, you are always free flowing with expressions of your love for us. Both in word and affection. We are devouring it as quickly as you dish it.

The "Hunt" and Easter pics

I think I set a record. . .

For the most pathetic month on record. Sorry to those of you along for the ride, March was a month full of illness! Cooper is now battling a cold, but the rest of us seem in good health.

Easter weekend was snowy here in Wisconsin. We were invited to an Easter Egg Hunt except this year all you had to find was the huge plastic tote full of eggs and grab as many as possible. Max was very interested in the Easter Bunny on location. He told us the Easter Bunny was magic. [Geez- he learned that from a friend at school--guess we've got to jump on these Holidays early if we want to have any say in what he believes!]

Easter Sunday we woke up and Max found both Easter Baskets. He devoured the few jelly beans he was given and had a good time playing with his basket contents. Cooper held one of his eggs up and said "(s)nack! (s)nack!" wanting to dig into his egg full of raisins. We then went to church. After church we had a wonderful time with our friends where we enjoyed a fabulous brunch. We had a Easter Egg hunt in the living room which the kids totally loved. It was a great day.

This past weekend we had some family come and visit. Aunt Susan, Gina and Jackson. Good thing there were two kids, Cooper was attached to Gina, which he pronounced "Dahna." It was pretty darn cute. Max, as always was in adoration of Jackson. We went to see some of the State 7th Grade Basketball Tournament--Jackson's team was playing. Due to some persistent knee problems, Jackson wasn't able to play. That didn't matter much to Max. From the moment he would get out of the vehicle he was asking to hold Jackson's hand. It was so sweet. On the way to our house after one of the games, Max told Jackson that maybe we could put a band-aid on his knee to make it better. My sister and I melted in the front seats. [since the visit Max has insisted on wearing red everyday(the color of Jackson's team), has given either Peg or I a whistle to wear around our necks, telling us to blow the whistle after he makes a basket or if someone is naughty and not following the rules. He insists he is "Zach" from Jackson's team. Last night he told me we needed to find a 7. A big one for his back and a little one for his front. I made some using markers and paper and we taped them to his shirt. When he went to bed we had to save them for tomorrow. Then in bed during his pre-sleep confessionals he said to me, "MaMa, I've got a great idea! How about tomorrow, we find a REAL 7!"]

A big highlight of the weekend came on Sunday morning when I made breakfast. I made some cinnamon rolls. Too bad I didn't read the package to know that the dough was GARLIC FLAVORED!!! Yeah, well, we all did get a pretty big laugh!

Sunday afternoon we spent some time with the other side of the family where Max was busy letting his cousin's know the house rules and self-appointed himself the boss when they were playing restaurant (he pronounces restronk). And, not to be outdone in the domination category, Cooper gave his month-younger cousin two bites on the cheek. Lovely.

Check back later for some pic's.

Little side Easter story: We have taught Max a filtered version of the Easter story. Telling him Jesus had to go away, but then that Jesus was risen, etc. We have a basket of seasonal/Holiday books that we keep in the living room. Recently, during a stint in the "Peace Chair," Max was looking at an Easter Book with many stories of Jesus. After his peace time, he came in to me in the kitchen and explained a story he read. "Some men, were really naughty and they put these other men on crosses. They tied their hands with rope, and then they put nails through their hands. Then, they put white on their butts. After that it turned black, and the naughty men ran away."

Max-isms

During his illness:

I need a tissue! I need a tissue! The boogers are going onto my filtrum!!

I love you so much, I love you sixty pounds.

Max: [This morning, 6am, looking in the vanity cupboard(the only thing in there were a few rolls of toilet paper)] Are those vaginas?

Me: Ahh, no, those aren't vaginas.

Max: I love vaginas.

Me: ?#!

Randomly during a meal with his cousins: "I'm feelin' good!"

New selection of music in the car frequently requested: "Can we have the September song?"

[Cue up track 3 of Earth Wind and Fire]

"I love this music, it makes my feet move!"

"I love you MaMa, even when you're frustrated with me."

Couple more pictures from the birthday:

I'm alive again!

Wow. Last week Max and I were hit with Influenza. In a big, bad, way. I really think that is the sickest I have been in a very long time. In fact, it's still kind of lingering, but for the most part, we are better.

Not a fun time to be sick. . .last week Tuesday, MAX TURNED 4!!!

The weekend before his birthday we travelled to Grandma and Grandpa's for a family celebration. It was great!, until Max threw up on me Saturday night(coughing induced). Pretty sure that's when I caught it from him. Sunday we came home and treated, at that time, just a fever and were treated to an airplane ride from our friend and pilot Erv! His wife was generous(daring) enough to entertain Cooper while the three of us went up! Thanks Debbie and Erv!! Max enjoyed the ride so much, that it put him to sleep.

He went to school on his birthday and was excited to share his birthday snack with his friends, but he and I struggled through the rest of the week. We decided on Thursday night, to cancel his birthday party with his friends. Bummer.

Here are a few pics of the Birthday week. . .

Max-isms

Max:Cooper's a meanie.

Me: What is a meanie?

Max: It's when you're not very nice and you're distracting.

MaMa, you need to give yourself a pat on the back!

I would like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Cooper, you can't have that, because you can't have peanut butter until you're 2. MaMa, I want peanut butter on bottom and jelly on top. Remember? We talked about that!

New hits: By the Baobab Tree--not unusual, he can recite the entire book--what's cool? The opening lines, Down the snowy mountain, of Mount Kilimanjaro! I just love hearing him spit out words like that!

Within the last month he has a new technique. If he is in the middle of something or is wanting to do something at the same moment we make a request, he will say, "Just let me _____ real quick, Real quick MaMa!"

Can write out more words than just his name.

Pictured above: Max and his drumset. Max in his "football uniform."

The No-Blow

Max is really starting to feel bad about Cooper's constant, loud, demanding, finger-wagging, "NO!'s"

Last night after dinner and a seven course meal of No's, Max says in a sad voice. "Cooper keeps saying no to all the beautiful things I am doing!"

Awww, Man! Talk about break your heart!

There is a good part about this. At least Cooper has begun to use his word(s) instead of resorting to hitting/biting immediately. Of course he only uses No, and if we can't read his mind as to what the No is about, it is quickly followed by a bite. We just need to work on the words a little more.

Last night when the boys were going down for bed, Max and I were talking about how many heartprints Cooper gave Mommy before bed. Max was sad that he didn't get any from Cooper. I told him to ask Cooper for a kiss, and Cooper kissed him, then followed with a hug. Max then talked about, as he has been lately, how he still loves Cooper even when he does naughty things and says no all the time. It was sweet. We all snuggled for a bit. Will he still do this when he's 10? Don't worry, I already know the answer to that!

What I like about you. . .

Cooper

I like the way you give me kisses and hugs before bed. I love the way you rub or just place each hand on either side of my face. It's really sweet. As much as it drives me crazy sometimes, I love the pitter-patter sound of your feet on the hardwood floors as you come into our room during the night, and I know there will come a time when I miss hearing that sound. I love our nighttime conversations. Mostly you talk about being home, Mommy being home, Isaac being home or asleep, Max being asleep, we also talk about whispering, or any animal/being you have brought into bed for the night. Last night when you came in, I scooped you up next to me in bed. I know that the only way to get you to stay in your bed is if I stop allowing you to snuggle next to us at night. So, we had a mid-night conversation with many close-ended questions from me, and a lot of whispered no's and yeah's from you. (have I mentioned how adorable your yeah's are?) You finally agreed to go back to your room so you could have a drink of water. I laid there with you for a while kissing your cheeks and your little nose. You whisper-giggled. It was sweet and gave me lots of heartprints. I need to remember the good reasons for being tired in the morning, and this just did it!

Pictured above: Cooper wearing one of his favorite hats that belong to Max.

Max-isms

On the way out of school last week, "I have a baby in my tummy, and when it comes out, I'm going to be the boss of it."

Max can write his name consistently now. He verbally reminds himself how to draw the letters, up-down-up-down(M). Sunday night he was drawing on the easel and we asked him to write his name. "Up to heaven. Down to Florida."

The theme for Sunday School the past couple of weeks has been the Our Father. On Sunday, while having dinner with a friend, Max says to Peg, "Mommy, will you share some of your daily bread with me?"

Max has been enduring a lot of negativity from his younger brother. Cooper is stuck in a rut wagging his little finger and calling out "No!" to Max. All. The. Time. Max can take it for a little bit, but after a while, we can tell his feelings are getting hurt. During breakfast this morning, Max was singing a song about his banana. Cooper kept adding his percussive, "No!", "No!" Max finally said, "MaMa, Cooper keeps saying no to my beautiful banana singing!"

What's in: Puzzles, Drums, any baby--animal or human, Singing, Penguins/leopard seals, birthdays(wonder why!)

What's out: (dare I say it?) Peter Pan

AHHHH

The (Democratic)primary in Wisconsin actually means something this time around!

4 words

Thank goodness for Sabbaticals.

Gunman kills 6 at university
A former student opened fire in a lecture hall Thursday at Northern Illinois University, shooting 21 people before fatally shooting himself. Seven people died, including the gunman.

My Aunt is an Economics Professor at this University. She is on sabbatical this semester. My Uncle, who also teaches at this school, has all of his classes in a different building.

Happy Valentine's Day

Boys,

Happy Valentine's Day 2008!

Max, you are less than one month from turning 4! In fact, when people ask you how old you are, you are already replying, "4!".

This year you were very interested in making Valentines for all your friends, Mommy and Aunt Susan. You would definetly like to continue to make them.

I was talking to Aunt Susan last night, telling her that you are really doing well--as opposed to being challenging. She stated it best by saying you are "comfortable in your skin." That seems just about right. There are still moments that cause breakdowns, but they are few and normally due to tiredness, hunger, or any other physiological problem that affects your coping/communication skills.

Our biggest challenge with you is having you use your words first to resolve a situation rather than first resorting to physical resolutions. This has been difficult to remember.

Having said that, you have shown us huge growth in unselfishness. Your sharing and generosity are genuine and really sweet. We talk about giving each other "heartprints" often.

You enjoy many activities. It seems you live in an appropriate region as you like to play in the snow, you like to shovel and you LOVE to go sledding--you go down face first unaccompanied and squeal with excitement. This especially thrills Mommy as she was known to ride down a hill on a metal shovel back in the day.

You love books. We love that. We hope this continues for your whole lifetime.

You really like to pretend. When people say your name, you will correct them and let them know "who" you are. Even when we say our prayer before our meal, you will say, "God bless Peter Pan, Tinky, John in the pink pjs, and Indian(Wendy)."

You are finally starting to enjoy Sunday School. You especially like Ava, Jacob and Sofi.

This past month you have really insisted on talking on the phone, primarily chatting with Mommy, Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Susan.

You have been drawing/painting more and writing your name. It's pretty cute.

You like to help and participate.

You look forward to "family days" (weekends).

You LOVE music.

You like to be in control or in charge or have the last say, even if it means just repeating what we just said.

*****************************************

Cooper, I just recently documented where you're at, but after that post, we spent a great weekend and realized there were so many things I missed.

You love your brother so much. You are always wanting to know where "Mack" is. If Max has done something you don't agree with, you will respond with one of the following, "mow"(your version of no), or you will hit, kick or bite. We're working on this!

You can blow your own nose. Adorable.

You sing! You will open any book that resembles a hymnal and will break out in song. Ususally nice and loud during church. You also know Wheels on the Bus, Itsy Bitsy spider and we hear you attempt ABC's.

You like to drink out of an open cup. Just like Max.

You can say some new words(in your own dialect) Peek-a-boo, whisper, beep

This morning when I was in the kitchen preparing to make you and Max waffles for breakfast you were trying to tell me some thing, "deh-dah". You repeated it over and over. Normally the way we work through the translation process is I try to decipher and will repeat the word back as it sounds to most English speaking people, when this doesn't work, I ask you to show me what it is. After many dog and duck guesses, I asked you to show me. You didn't. I finally got it. I said, "Ketchup?" You responded with your emphatic, "Yeah!" Apparently you use ketchup as a general term for sauce/syrup/etc. I think we avoided syrup with Max until he was 2+. It's a little harder to do with you since you have someone else to watch. Luckily, I can get by giving you the S.plenda sweetened stuff!

Speaking of sauces, you love to dip and lick. We have to remind you to actually eat the food.

You are really good at picking up your toys, we're hoping Max learns by your example.

You like to climb up and down the stairs.

You like to play the piano.

You really don't like to have pants put on or your coat.

When I come to pick you up a school, you usually walk over to a classmate and hit them. Your teachers will tell me you haven't done this all day, but like clockwork, you will do it when you see me. Hmm.

You like to read books.

You like to kick balls.

You would like to use the computer.

*******************************************

Two weekends ago, we put up the two twin beds we bought for you a while ago. We pushed them together and you essentially share a king size bed. We are still adjusting. Some nights it's pretty exciting, other nights you are both too tired to be silly, and will fall asleep without a production. Last Saturday, Feb 9th, it was naptime. You both were very challenging, as you often are when it is naptime on the weekend(unless of course we break down and drive you around--then you're asleep in a matter of minutes). We ended up having to seperate you into separate bedrooms. We eventually had to put Cooper back into his crib. Cooper, you were not a happy camper. Mommy and I were in our room trying to settle Max down when we heard a splat/crash followed by loud crying. Cooper, at 19 months, you made it out of your crib unassisted. You will not be returning. Let's hope naptime goes a little better this weekend.

Today is your Uncle Paul's birthday. He is the reason for your middle name Cooper. He died when he was 5 years old. Uncle Paul was very special to Mommy, and therefore, is very special to our family. As you get older she will share silly stories about Paul(not now because Paul didn't always make good choices!), and how much she misses him and wonders what he would be like if he were alive today. I think as Mommy watches you grow, she is reminded of her precious time with Paul.

We love you both so much,

MaMa

pictured above Max and Cooper Fall 2007

Max-isms

Character list for ONE DAY. Roles may be repeated many times.

Baby Rudolph

Big Rudolph

Michael (character from Zen Shorts)

Peter Pan

chipmunk

zookeeper

prince

New favorite book:

Tidbits:

Last week I witnessed Max eating dried up marshmallows off someones artwork hanging on the wall at his school.

Yesterday we were on our way out of school. We saw one of his classmates, Brynn's mom, get out of her car and start walking in. Max stopped her. "Your kid, your kid is in dance class."

Lastly, look at this picture:

Max said to me, while looking at this book, "Hmm, there's a kangaroo jumping in the grass."

I looked at the top and bottom pictures, didn't see what he was suggesting, and asked further, "Where do you see the kangaroo Max?"

"MaMa, look at his hand. The thumb is the joey and the rest of his fingers are the kangaroo!"