Happy 9th Birthday Cooper

Dear Cooper,
I've become very behind in my blog posts over the past six months or so, but I couldn't let today sneak by without wishing you a happy 9th birthday!  Nine!  It just never ceases to amaze me how quickly the years go. Nine years ago at this very time Daddy and I were getting ready to meet you.  You know how the story goes...you were a few weeks.  You didn't want to take no for an answer and made sure that you were coming on your terms.   We weren't necessarily prepared for your arrival that night and it never ceases to amaze me just how unprepared my heart is every June when you become another year older. 
You have done so much "growing" this year. 

Physically you have grown several inches. 

In the weight department you are quickly sneaking up on your older sister.  She has you by about 3 pounds but it won't be long until you pass her by. 

Even though your physical appearance has changed some, you remain the sweet, thoughtful boy with an enormous heart.   Just yesterday I was in a store with your sisters when we ran into a teacher from your school.  She chatted with McKenna and then asked how you were doing.  She said, "I just remember Cooper as the boy who always holds the door for others and wants to be helpful."  That is quite an compliment that others think of you that way.  That's who you are though. 

You tackle anything head on.  You make new friends in seconds and you seem to be comfortable in almost any situation.  Above all, you consider others and their feelings.  Some days I'm surprised that your little heart doesn't burst right through your chest.    That's not to say you don't have your share of sibling rivalry and little arguments with your sisters.  But at the end of the day, you would do anything for them.

This year we have loved watching you play lots of sports and have at times agonized with you over decisions that had to be made related to sports.

 You preserved through your first baseball season and made some really, really great friends.  However, you had to make the difficult decision to give up soccer next year in order to continue playing baseball.  It was hard for all of us to come to that but ultimately I hope you will learn from the experience.
I can't wait to see what your nine year old year has in store.  You may eat us out of house and home and run us ragged with the fast pace you love to keep.   Don't let us fool you though, we love you and would do anything for you. 
I love you, buddy.  I'm so proud to be your mom and to watch you grow.  I know that you are going to change people's lives and I can't wait to see what God has in store for you.
Happy Birthday!
Love you to the moon and back,
Mom

So much to say

I've completely lost touch with just how far behind I am with blogging....Easter, Mother's Day, Dance Recital, a huge list of school activities and events, and even the last day of school.  So many times I have thought about sitting down to write.  So many great posts have popped into my head.  Yet sadly, the pages here remain blank.  At first I considered that perhaps at the end of the day I just didn't have any words left.  But I'm starting to think it's just the opposite.  I have so much to say; so many emotions that the past few months have brought about that I am overwhelmed with where to even begin.   I'm hoping that after a brief respite from school and a wonderful vacation with my family to my favorite place on earth that I will be newly inspired to continue to tell this story.  But for now, here are a few pictures from my phone to get us all through!