Little Coop

I wish there were words to describe how much I adore this baby boy. I just rocked him to sleep, something I didn't do with Lainey very often because of all those silly books I read about babies and their sleep. I was trying so hard to do everything just right (and she was an amazing sleeper) but there are moments when I wish I could go back and just hold her again. I am making sure that I have none of those feelings with Coop. That boy gets kissed on and tickled and snuggled every minute of his day! Not just by me! Lainey and his daddy do their fair share.

Cooper has a way of making everyone feel special. When anyone looks at him, his face lights up. It doesn't matter if you are a stranger at the grocery store or the most familiar face. He will smile and babble and you may even get a giggle. He loves people and faces and responds to them in a way that will warm the coldest of hearts.

Cooper is curious and inquisitive. He loves textures and wants to touch everything. Today he played with a plastic wrapper for 10 minutes just feeling it crinkle in his hands. About a week ago, Coop figured out the occasional rolling on the floor he enjoyed could get him where he wanted to go. Now it's his favorite part of the day. Rolling around the floor getting his hands on whatever he can find...including our dog's tail!

He and Lainey have the sweetest bond. Granted, these are my only two children, but they seem so bonded already. Lainey loves to play with him (although she has limits on which toys of hers are allowed in Cooper's mouth!) She reads him books, brings him toys, and shows him how to work things. She is a little mommy for sure!

Hope you enjoy the 7 month pictures of the sweetest little boy in the world!

Our attempt to cure the January blues

I, for one, am sick of the snow. I absolutely love it until December 25th but after the tree comes down, I think the snow should go with it! I need sunshine, tulips, budding trees and the hope of summer. I know everyone says, "don't wish your life away" but I am convinced they live in Hawaii or some other tropical location with warm temperatures year round. I am wishing January away with everything in me! I think my sis-in-law, Jennifer has the right idea...a summer home and a winter home. Someday. For now, I will pass the time by signing Lainey up for gymnastics lessons! It's been the highlight of the week for she and I the past month. So fun to watch her challenge herself and have fun while she's doing it.

Look-a-like

Lainey and Cooper at 6 months old. Look alikes? I think so!

My lunch date

Today I had lunch with a little gentleman. He quietly ate his bananas without spitting any on his momma. Love this little man.

Morton Family Christmas

Papa and Mawny with the grandkids minus our favorite Georgia girls, Jules and Ava. We miss you sweet girlies!

Listening to Papa read the Christmas story. One of our favorite traditions.

Isaiah snuggled up with his momma and daddy for the story.

Let the present opening begin...du dudu dudu Dora. Sorry for those of you that don't know the song!

Isaiah, the superhero, about to save the world!

Papa and sweet Coop

Mawny and her oh so cute grandkids bag from Chad and Jen.

My loves.

All smiles

Sweet cousins

Big sis and little bro

Uncle Seth and the kiddos

Mawny and Lainey snuggled up in their matching outfits.

The girls in their tutu's from Mindy with Buzz Lightyear Lane

Christmas with the O'Dells

Silas tearing into a present

It's hard to believe Lainey and Silas are big enough to do this!

Grandma Donna came over to share the day with us. It's always so wonderful to see her.

Papa opening his alumni shirt from Brian and Crystal

Uncle Brian and Lainey checking out his gift

Sweet Aiden with his momma

Nana showing her school pride

Lainey and a new friend, Fancy Nancy

The babies opening their gifts after a nice long nap.

Nana and Coop playing

I forgot this picture on my last post. Our Christmas snow man.

Our Family Christmas

What a wonderful Christmas celebration our little family has enjoyed. We traveled to Excelsior Springs to visit our family the weekend before and enjoyed our first Christmas at home this year. I promise (Seth) to post pictures of our Excelsior Springs trip soon, but I have so many pictures I have to do multiple blogs! The picture above is of our jolly, baby boy. How is it possible that he is 6 months old already? What a joy he is. I think I say that over and over on our blog, but it's just so true. There is nothing sweeter.

Christmas eve began with baking sugar cookies. Frosting sugar cookies.

and sampling them of course!

We had a wonderful day at home watching it snow and then enjoyed our church Christmas eve service. Our pastor has a tradition of doing a children's message at this service and Lainey climbed up right next to him. He asked her a few questions and she just gave him a blank stare. I think the microphone made her nervous. She was not about to talk into that thing!

Just after the candlelight Christmas carols. Love that tradition. It reminds me of the Christmas eve services at Pisgah with the drippy candles and the big stockings full of the prettiest candy they would give to all the kids. I love that we are making those same memories for our little ones.

Little Coop looking oh so sophisticated in his hat from Mawny. People were amazed that he left it on the whole service. I think he knew he was looking oh so cute and enjoyed the attention : )

Nothing more fun for this momma than coordinating Christmas outfits.

Oh...and coordinating Christmas jammies

Snuggled up in Daddy and Mommy's bed for our Christmas Eve sleepover. Lainey has started a new fun game of coming into our room every night, in the middle of the night, to "snuggle" and I didn't want her walking through the living room seeing all of her presents before we were up. Hence the sleepover. Have to get a little creative with this 3 year old!

Santa's surprises (and yes, we play Santa! I've had so many people act like I'm crazy this year because we let our kids play Santa. It's just a game people. Relax.)

Checking it all out

Like I said...jolly boy.

The beloved pillow pet. Why couldn't I think of this?

About 4 inches of the fluffiest, powdery snow fell on Christmas eve. Just beautiful.

We couldn't resist getting out in it.

Our Happy Birthday Jesus party