Happy 3rd Birthday, Cooper

Happy 3rd birthday to my sweet Cooper Dooper!!! I can't believe he's 3! He's changing and growing before my eyes...and I love it! I keep joking with both boys telling them I'm going to start putting bricks on their heads to keep them from growing up, but I love it! I love that Cooper is my "big" guy now....he'll quickly correct me if I call him "baby". He can express his wants and desires (even if they change faster than he can get them out) and is getting more independent every day. I'm thankful that he's growing and maturing the way he's supposed to be and that he's a healthy, happy boy!

We celebrated Cooper's birthday with family and friends at the Cumming Aquatic Center on his REAL birthday. He had a Lightning McQueen themed birthday party and was super proud of his cake. We all had a good time! Happy Birthday, Coop!!!!! I love you.

Cooper Dooper

Sometimes I just like to hear his sweet little voice...

Cheeeeeese!!!

Here we go...now when I ask Cooper to smile for a picture or say cheese, here's what happens!!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

Our across the street neighbors had 5 tickets to the Braves v. Pirates game. They are huge Pirates fans, but with a death in the family, were not going to be able to make it to the game in Atlanta (they were in Pittsburgh). Jim had to work the following morning so he didn't feel like he could stay up late and then be a productive employee with only a few hours of sleep. He suggested I call the biggest baseball fan we know...my brother, Ben! Thankfully, he and his family were able to make room in their schedule and met me and Maddox at Turner Field for the game on Wednesday night.

Maddox chatted the whole way to Atlanta...Mom, do you think it will take us long, Mom, do you think it's hot there, Mom, do you think they have popcorn, Mom, what do you think Cooper and Daddy are doing, Mom, Mom, Mom.....you get the picture! I answered his questions and entertained all of his crazy ideas. We always have a good time when it's just the two of us.

Once we parked and found Ben, Paige, and Anna Kate Maddox became silent. I think it all became quite overwhelming for him. He just looked around in amazement at everything...and there's a lot to see! He's been to Monster Jam and other events at Phillips Arena but this was different! It was so fun to see everything through his eyes. Of course, once he had a diet coke and a box of popcorn in his hands he was the happiest kid at the game!! He and Anna Kate had fun dancing and cheering. Maddox cheered hard for the Braves even when he had no idea what had happened!!!

It was a great time and I'm glad that I got to experience the fun with him!!

A Trip to the Mountain...Stone Mountain

The boys and I went to Stone Mountain Park with Wendy, Emma, and Baylor. We had a blast!!! We were able to play in the Great Barn, saw a 4D Yogi Bear movie, rode the train around the mountain, played on Memorial Lawn, rode the sky lift to the top of the mountain, and then toured the antebellum homes with a visit to a "farm". Lots of fun was had by all!!

The Harps+The McArthurs=Fun!

Emily and her kiddies paid us a visit last weekend...we had a fantatic time! They were able to come and stay 3 nights. We didn't "do" a whole lot, but certainly enjoyed each other's company. The kids love playing together. Maddox and Alex are great pals and enjoy lots of the same things. Every once in a while they would let Cooper get in the game with them, but he was happy to entertain Naomi when she wasn't playing with Buddy :). I'd say a good time was had by all!

Biker Babe

Check him out! Maddox learned to ride his bike yesterday evening! It took about 10 mins of Jim running beside him holding onto the back of his shirt for him to get completely comfortable with the idea and then he was off!!!! I was bursting with pride as I watched my baby pedal around the cul-de-sac. I was "woo-hoo'ing" (and trying not to scare him and break his concentration), cheering, and crying all at the same time! I don't know why this has affected me the way it has. I guess it's just one more step of him showing me that he's REALLY growing up. I've been having some panic feelings about his starting Kindergarten in less than a month. He's fine and happy about it, it's my own fears that are making me feel this way! I know deep down in my heart that he will be fine...I just hate that my baby boy is growing up so fast right in front of my eyes!!! BUT, at the same time, I'm so blessed to have a healthy 5 year old who is growing and doing what he's supposed to! I digress....I'm proud of my little man! His interview with Jim at the end of the video was what he came up with on the fly...we were quite amused!