My Cooper

Cooper has been making some great improvements. He is still a long ways off from other kids his age, which sometimes seems to be exaggerated by his size. He is getting so big and suddenly looking so much older to me. He looks more like a 4 year old than the 2.5 year old that he really is. He is so tall and is growing out of his 3T clothes, rapidly moving on to 4T's. His face is that of a miniature Peter, and I often have to laugh at the characteristics they share. They both sit at the kitchen table with their chin resting on their hands, they both let out the occasional loud, deep sigh (I call them both "sighers"), and they both laugh when they fart.

He is now getting so much more coordinated. He is a talented climber and is running faster and faster. Still my little bookworm, I love to find him in his rocking chair reading books and almost every day I go into his room to find nearly the entire contents of his bookcase emptied all over the floor. The little guys loves music and sings lots of melodies (and sometimes even gets a word or two right or at least the right consonant sounds), loves to strum a guitar, and blow on his flute. I got him a little drum set a few months ago and he loves to pull up the tiny stool to sit, grab the sticks, beat the bass with his foot and bang away on the drums and cymbal. He is even starting to take interest in puzzles and will look to see where the shape or color goes rather than randomly placing.

He understands so much more now, which helps me to talk to him more. He recognizes questions and much of the time will answer a question with a "no" or an adorable 2 syllable "ja". He doesn't always answer appropriately, but at least he is saying something. He is finally getting the hang of saying "hello" and "bye-bye" while actually looking at the person. He consistently uses the words "open", "all done", and "down" in the right situations. And he responds to things we tell him to do, such as sit here, shoes on, stand up, put this in the trash, bring me the ball, give me a kiss, open the door, etc. While he has never been one for tantrums, he definitely understands now when we say no to something and he will drop to the floor on his hands and knees, put his forehead to the ground over his hands, and stick his little booty up in the air. He may not be happy, but it is so cute. These little things may not sound so impressive for a child nearing 3 years old, but they are big accomplishments for our little guy.

Hands down, the most endearing attribute of Cooper is his happy personality. He is always smiling and is so easy going. He never gets upset when another kid takes away his toy, he just looks for a new one. He wins over every guest that walks into our house with his curiosity, big smiles, and funny walks around the room. He loves to put on other people's hats and sunglasses and "see" experience the world in a new way. Whether it is a 10 hour flight, 6 hour drive, long day touring a new city, or hiking mountains, our sweet boy is along for the ride with juice, snack, and a smile. He is without a doubt the most precious thing in our lives and we are so blessed to have such a sweet boy reminding us each day of what is important.

I can't wait for you all to see him again and see all the changes, and my goodness, see how he has grown! We will be heading to Augusta on Wednesday of this week and then to Disney World on Saturday. I can't believe it is time already. I am so excited to spend time with friends and family back home and for Cooper to spread the joy to you. See you soon!