One year later

Cooper Alan,
You are one year old today. You started out at 8 pounds, 6 ounces and have grown to 21 pounds, 4 ounces. You were a small 20 inches long, and are now 30.5 inches long. You've changed so much in the last year and it has gone so fast.

Cooper almost a year ago

Cooper last week

In the last month you have grown even more. New skills this month: waving good-bye, playing peek-a-boo and hide and seek, climbing stairs, and walking pushing things. You are *almost* walking without holding on or pushing something. You just need a little more time for some confidence. You really enjoy being outside and getting into dirt, rocks, or bark. You've only got four little teeth, but you will try and eat anything put in front of you. You aren't talking at all yet, which is surprising. You do have two older brothers to interpret and talk for you, but I'm eagerly waiting for you to utter even a simple "Mama" or "Dada" or even the dreaded "No". That is a word you know very well and despise hearing. You do manage to communicate with everyone around you through giggles, grunts, and the ear-slitting scream.

One thing that hasn't changed much in a year is your sleeping habits. You still are waking up several times a night for nursing and snuggles with mommy. It amazes me how much you've changed in the last year, and I can't wait to see the boy you'll become in the next 12 months.

My mom made the perfect cake for Cooper. He didn't know what to make of the candle so Colten and Olivia helped him blow it out.

One of the best things about a summer birthday: eat outside for easy clean up! Cooper sure did love the chocolate cake!