Cooper and Emilia climbing up the slide.

"Look Mom, I climbed all the way to the top!"

Swinging with Cousin Emilia on the tire swing.

We went to Cici's Pizza for lunch. It was all you can eat pizza and lots of fun!

Cousin Sam at the pizza place.

Sixteen plates! Now that is a lot of pizza!

What a fun day!

Cooper really loves his new swing! Thanks to everyone who helped make this smile possible! :)

I had a great day today! My favorite part of the day was playing with Portia. I was holding her toy and she came and grabbed it out of my hand. I thought that was the funniest thing ever and I laughed and laughed. Mommy doesn't understand why it is funny when Portia does it but not when Quinn does! Anyway, I kept grabbing the toy back from her and we had a great time playing. I love Portia so much, even if she is a little too barky.

This morning we all went to the playground! Everyone except Quinn, he had school. It was a cool playground but there were too many kids there for me. Plus, the ground was made of that recycled rubber stuff and I really didn't like how it felt to walk on....my feet bounced too much. Mommy said I looked drunk cause I was wobbling and weaving even more than usual. Then we took a walk down to the creek and back and by the time we got to the car I was out. It was a big morning!

I had a great bath tonight! No crying or anything! Maybe I finally outgrew that whole "fear of baths" thing.

I haven't seen my cousins in a whole year! Well, I am only 12 months old, so you do the math.....I don't really remember seeing them at all. I was all about the being swaddled and drinking bottles back then. When Mommy showed me all these wild kids in my playroom this morning I wasn't sure what to do. Then I realized how much fun my cousins are and I jumped right in and started playing with them.

While Quinn went to speech me and Mommy went to the Mom's Club meeting. I walked all over that church and everyone was so impressed. Mommy put on my Robeez and they made it a lot easier to walk, but they are a little tight so I need a new pair. It was a fun meeting, I got to eat a whole bag of animal crackers and two mini blueberry muffins. I played a little in the nursery but Mommy stayed with me cause she knew I would just cry if she left.

It was a pretty exciting day, can't wait to see what tommorrow brings! Oh, and Grandma Jan you are right! I ate an entire cup of diced pears and some pieces of hot dog today. I don't know if you realize this, but the all beef hot dogs taste a whole lot better than the tofu dogs!

Cooper's birthday feast, corn.....

and pickles!

Just in case you couldn't figure out how old Cooper is.....

This is yummy cake!

The ice cream is pretty good too!

I've been watching Quinn, I know exactly what to do with this spoon!

This is what happens when you enjoy your birthday cake a little too much!

This morning I had Gymboree but I wasn't really into it. Mommy thought I might not be feeling well and she was right! After my nap all I wanted to do was sit on the couch and lay my head on Mommy's chest. That is so not like me that she took my temperature....100 degrees! She called the doctor and the nurse told her to give me some Motrin. We didn't have any so Grandma Berta came over to watch me while Mommy went to the drug store. I was really feeling horrible so I kept crying and the only thing that made me stop was when Grandma sang to me....in Spanish! When Mommy finally got home with the medicine I drank it right up, it was bubble gum flavored and yummy! After a little while I felt much better and I ate a big dinner of meatballs. Then I was all hyped up and even stayed up later than usual playing...what is in that stuff???

The funny thing is that as soon as my fever started, my diarreah stopped! Maybe I only get one symptom of teething at a time. Last week it was a runny nose, this week it was yucky diapers, and now I have a high temperature! This teething thing is nuts!

My daddy is home! I was so excited to see him when he got here that I smiled really big and crawled right over to him. He had to put Portia down and give me hugs and kisses. And he was worried I wouldn't remember him! How could I forget my daddy??

I did a really good job at Gymboree today! Today the focus was on balls and shaker toys...so how could I not do great? The only problem was that I kept crawling away from the group so I could play with the balls. What can I say, I am a ball-a-holic!

We had to stop and get gas on the way home (so we could GET home!) Mommy can't open my door when she is putting gas in the car cause it is a sliding door minivan. She also couldn't see me too well cause the window was tinted. But I could see her! I kept smiling at her and waving so she kept making funny faces at me. It was really fun but those other people at the gas station must have thought she was nuts!

This whole trying to only eat food and less formula is not going well. I am a really picky eater! I have gotten used to drinking milk now though, yum!

I had to go to the doctor today. It was okay until they gave me the shots! Four of them!!!! Ouch!!!! I cried really hard cause it really hurt.

Besides that I am really healthy. The doctor said everything looked and sounded good. He told Mommy not to worry about my lack of speech because it is too soon for that. Yeah Mommy....relax! I did say Mamamama this morning, what more can you ask for??! He also said it was time to start weaning off formula and switching to cows milk. We'll see about that, I really like my bottle.

Want to know my stats? I weigh 22lbs 12 oz (50th percentile) and am 31.5 inches tall (90th percentile) ! I am gonna be really tall like my daddy!

Today I went to my playgroup, Quinn wasn't allowed to come; cause it was all about me! It was pretty fun. There were new toys there and no gate on the stairs. Plus there were a couple of really pretty girls! I kept trying to walk but my shoes kept making me fall. Now that I am walking maybe you should get me some shoes that actually fit, huh Mommy? Speaking of things that fit....Mommy dressed me in Quinn's clothes by mistake this morning! She didn't even realize until it was too late. Honestly the 36 months jumper fit me pretty well!

Today we went to see Quinn's PT. I showed her how good I am at walking and she was really impressed with me. She told Mommy that I have absolutely perfect tone! And that isn't just because I don't have Down Syndrome either, does that mean I will have a six pack when I grow up?? :) I had a great time toddling up and down the hallways with Quinn. I can't wait until we are both expert walkers so we can run around together!!!

Yup, it's my birthday....now take this silly hat off my head and let me eat cake!!

I like cupcakes!

Yummy!

Outtakes from our Father's Day photo shoot....

Stop joking around Quinn! You're gonna knock me off the chair!

I think he is serious...

If he kicks me one more time!

Okay Mom, I am outta here!

Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday to me!

Can you believe I am one year old?? Mommy sang me the birthday song a bunch of times today so it must be true. I remember this day one year ago well. I was all nice and comfy the next thing I know, not so comfy anymore. I was happy to see Mommy though, it had been a long 9 months.

We are going to really celebrate my birthday later, cause unlike a year ago...Daddy isn't around! He had to go away for work so we have to wait for him to get back. It's not a party without Daddy! Tommorow we are going to Grandma Donna's for cake and hopefully some presents.

Today me and Quinn went out with Grandma Jan and Grandpa Don. Quinn got his haircut and I got to ride on the merry-go-round! It was great!

This morning Mommy was really sleepy so after we played a bit she put on Sesame Street for me and layed down on the sofa in the playroom. She looked so comfortable laying there that I decided to lay down too! When she woke up a few minutes later to check on me, she couldn't find me! It was cause I layed down on the floor right beside her and was sound asleep!!! I would have rather layed down on the sofa with Mommy but I can't climb up there myself yet :)

I get to go to school with Quinn tommorow...wooohooo!!!

I have another tooth coming in! It is right next to the other one! I can't wait until I have enough teeth to chew with, already it is easier to eat my cheese :)



Today I was all about walking. I walked 4-5 steps a bunch of times. I am still pretty unsteady but I am getting there. My favorite thing to do is to walk along the sofa. I don't touch it until I feel like I am going to fall, it makes me feel safer about the whole walking thing. I slept until 11:30 this morning!!! Mommy wanted to know why I only do that when it is Daddy's job to get up with me!

I had my second Gymboree class today. It was okay, but I wasn't as into it this time. There were a lot more kids there and most of them were walking! It was a little intimidating. There were less ball activities this time too, so that sucked.

This afternoon we went to Virginia for Quinn's feet. The guy there really liked my t-shirt! I was wearing one of the tie-dyes that Uncle Ian gave me. There are Deadheads everywhere! Who knew? This guy was really nice though, when he finished with Quinn he saw that I wanted some attention so he came over and talked to me for a while. People don't usually do that!

Not much movement on the tooth front, it is pretty much the same in my mouth. It doesn't seem to be bothering me much though.

Don't panic....but there is this sharp white thing sticking right through my top gums!!! I thought it was pretty weird, but Mommy was very excited about it. Apparently I am finally getting my first tooth, and not a moment too soon! I have also been suprisingly unfussy considering I am finally teething.

I am also getting really good at standing alone and also taking 3 or 4 steps at a time. Watch out Quinn, here I come!!!

This morning I went to the doctor with Mommy. I was really tired of sitting in my stroller so I managed to wiggle my way out. Mommy caught me before I fell though. Even though I kept fussing everyone said how cute I was. It was fun going out with Mommy, but I would have rather crawled around more!

Gymboree was great! At first I wasn't so sure I would like it, but then I saw all the balls! I ended up having a really good time even though I was just a little clingy with Mommy. There were three other little babies around my age there and only one was walking. But she was a girl so that explains that! I liked playing with the other kids but I am not good at sharing. I kept grabbing stuff from the other kids and then holding it against me really tight. Mommy had to explain to the other moms that I have an older brother!

I guess Mommy thought it was good for me cause she signed me up for 24 whole weeks! We will go every Friday morning and maybe sometimes on other days during the summer. I guess I better get over my seperation issues now!

Mommy is doing a really bad job of updating my blog lately! Bad Mommy!!!



There is lots of big news too. I am now saying Dada most of the time when Mommy says it first. And today I almost said Mama! I was watching Mommy say it and I put my lips together for the "mmmmm" but nothing came out. I have also been taking some independent steps. Sometimes I walk between two things without even realizing it. I took four whole steps the other day!!

Tommorow is my first Gymboree class! I am so excited!!

I woke up in a good mood this morning, at 10 AM no less ( I never sleep that late for Mommy!). I stayed in a pretty good mood all day long too. Not sure why. I was really happy to get to hang out with Daddy, so maybe that was it. Today I even said "dadadadada" for Mommy, but not for Daddy of course. I had a good time playing with the legos and my two tents. It was a good day, hopefully tommorow will be good too!!

I was supposed to go to the doctor today to see why I cry so much. Mommy is getting desperate! I got out of it though cause Mommy was too sick to take me, yay! Unfortunately since Mommy was so sick that also meant I had to watch Baby Signing Times like 5 times in a row. I think I may be a little sick too, I wasn't feeling to great tonight :(

Cooper really enjoyed riding around the neighborhood in his new wagon, but he wasn't into smiling for the camera.

I think he finally realized that Mommy wasn't going to give up until she got a real smile.

Pondering Global Warming? Does this kid need to loosen up or what!

This morning was so much fun!!! After Quinn went to school me, Mommy, and Great Grandma Berta went to IHOP for breakfast. It was pretty exciting to go to a restraunt with just Mommy and no Quinn. Mommy ordered me a kid size cup of apple juice and it was the best thing ever!! I felt like such a big boy drinking out of a cup and straw just like Mommy. I liked it so much that Mommy had to refill my cup twice with her water! Then the food came and I ate some of Mommy's eggs and pancakes. It was really yummy! She should have gotten me my own meal, there was a sign there that said "kids eat free".

After breakfast we went to the carpet store and ordered new rugs for Grandma Berta's house. I can't wait to track mud all over them! The man at the store was really nice, but he didn't know much about babies...he actually offered me a piece of candy! Carmel at that! Hello, toothless wonder here, what the heck am I going to do with carmel???

Tonight Mommy dug out her baby food grinder. She ground up a chicken nugget and some mac and cheese for me. I actually really liked it, but I was too cranky to eat much. Maybe we will try again tommorow, it sure tasted better than that stuff from a jar!!!

Me and Mommy went to meet my playgroup at the playground this morning. This time they were actually there and I got to hang out with some other babies. It was fun but I stuck pretty close to Mommy. I am a very clingy baby. I did fall over and bump my head but I got over it pretty quick.

I am still being really cranky and crying most of the day. I hope it is cause I am getting teeth, I was the only one at playgroup with no sign of teeth! Even the 4 month old had some breaking though!!!

Today after we dropped Quinn off at school me and Mommy went to the supermarket! It was so much fun! I got to sit in the cart and I was such a good boy, for the first 15 minutes. Then I decided the metal bar in front of me looked yummy, so I latched on and started sucking...I know, predictable right? So Mommy decided that was gross and put her hand there to block me....so I just moved over some and started sucking on a fresh area. Oh well, that is what typical babies do right??? Then I got bored so I started yelling. Mommy told the poor girl at the checkout counter to never have kids! That wasn't very nice Mommy!!!

Then this afternoon we all went to Virginia again. I am happy to report that, unlike last time, I did not cry the whole way home. Mommy is pretty happy to report that too! I was a really good boy the whole trip, plus we didn't get stuck in traffic which helped. Tonight me and Quinn had a great time playing together in the playroom.

My name is Cooper, it is my name...mine! Mommy worked very hard to find me a nice original name that every other kid in my class would not also have. Sure it may be somewhat popular in Austrailia, but not here....at least it wasn't.

Here is the picture that Mommy found in her email today, look at the name they chose!

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/pkimgs/ab/images/products/200715/0007/img50l.jpg

So if my name is so popular now, why does everyone still call me Connor??? Okay, I am done whining.

Today was really fun! This morning Quinn was in school and we had a Mommy/Cooper date. We went to the playground. We were supposed to meet up with some other kids my age, but there were so many people at the playground we couldn't find them. That is okay, I had a great time swinging and watching all the big kids play. The best part was that it was all about me.

Today was another one of those cranky days. Poor Mommy, I really drive her nuts sometimes!

We played for a while this morning and then went to pick up Quinn. I got to see Grandpa Don for a little bit and eat some crackers while we were there. I was a really good boy and didn't fall asleep on the ride home! That meant that I still took a nice long nap once we did get home.

I drank apple juice from a juice box all by myself today! I even held it on my own. I made a bit of a mess, but not nearly as bad as Mommy expected.

I was extremely fussy today. I wonder if it is because I am finally getting a tooth, I hope so!!! I did manage to have some fun though. I chased the ball all around the house and had a great time. Then when Grandpop Bill got home he paid attention to me and that was so great! He tickled me so much it was a lot of fun, I laughed and laughed.

I got really really cranky right before dinner and no one could calm me down. So they gave me some ice cubes to play with! Those are my favorite and they really helped cheer me up. For dinner I had some of this yummy spicy rice and it was delicious! I like spicy food, just like my Daddy!

Okay, I admit it, I am such a momma's boy! Everytime I saw Mommy today I crawled right too her and told her I wanted her to pick me up. You know how I let her know I want to be picked up? I crawl right into her and head butt her! Even tonight when Grandpa Don was walking me around the neighborhood I saw Mommy and cried cause I wanted her! Mommy said it was nice to be needed so much, but it is a little much. Sorry Mom!

Good news, Grandma Jan bought me a bunch of new summer clothes. That is great cause Mommy forgot to bring any with us to Grandma Donna's house. I have been really hot cause I don't have any shorts and only two short sleeve shirts! Thanks Grandma Jan!!!

Mommy, you are doing a really bad job of keeping my blog updated! Everyone wants to read about how cute and special I am too! I am more than just "Quinn's little brother" you know???

So Quinn has started going to school every morning and I love it! For those few hours I don't have to share Mommy or any of my toys. It is really great and I like the extra attention a lot. Sometimes I do get lonely for Quinn, but not too often.

Today we went to pick up Quinn and then we all went to Virginia for a doctors visit. I have never been to Virginia before, how exciting! I had fun at the doctors office. The red Power Ranger was really yummy and so was the doctor's measuring tape! After the doctors we went to Wendy's for lunch. I tasted my first Frosty and I think I am in love! Yummo!