I promised to write my kids a letter every year on their birthday. I was reading them today and wanted to share one with you.
December 2005
Dear Cooper David,
WOW, what an amazing year. I have to say this has been the best year of my life. You came into this world and were a perfect angel. We never knew that every day would get better and better. In Januaryyou and I enjoyed our time at home together. I was on maternity leave until Feb. 7th and loved that time with you. We would play, go shopping and nap on the bed together. I was so sad to go back to work in February but I had to do it. Your dad took care of you for the first week and even brought you to see me one day. Miss. Nancy took care of you while I was at work. You love it at her house. Over Spring Break we flew on an airpane to see Dede and Papa in Savannah. You did so well flying for the first time. We had all of the family together over Easter to have you baptized. Father Richard said you were the best baby he had ever baptized. You looked and smelled just like baby Jesus. It was a wonderful experience. The summer came and you began to sit up on your own. We took you to Ohio to meet your Great-Grandpa Joe, the beach in San Destin, Savannah, Sea Island, Galveston, Chicago and on many other great adventures. You began to crawl at the end of summer. You crawled like wounded soldier for about a month before you figured out you could get places a lot quicker if you crawled the right way. We spent our summer going to the gym, the pool, Jungle Gym, playgroup, shopping, and playing at home. In September, Daddy and I found out we were pregnant again and you would be a big brother. I was very sick for a while and you would play nicely while I laid on the couch. You were such a sweet boy. In October we were asked to move to Jacksonville, FL for Daddy's job. We listed the house and it sold in a week. So we packed everything up and went to Savannah to live until we moved. Daddy had to stay in Houston until the end of January. You spent your first Thanksgiving in Savannah and Christmas in San Destin. Your new cousin Bryce was born 2 days after your first birthday.
You never cried. People used to say you were the best baby ever. You are soooooooooooooooo cute. Everyone says you look like the Gerber Baby. Everyone thinks you are a girl though....sorry about that. I can have you dressed from head to toe in blue and people still say "she is soooooooo cute!". I think it is your adorable head of curly hair (you got that from daddy). You nap pretty well.....10 and 2. However, you still get up in the middle of the night for a bottle. I secretly enjoy that time with you and do not want to give it up. You play very well by yourself and with friends. Although you are very shy when we come into a new situation, you open up quickly. Everyone loves being around you Cooper.
I remember your first smile. You were in your car seat on the kitchen island and you started smirking. It was adorable. Then one night after MONTHS of saying "dada" I got you out of your crib and sat in the rocking chair with you. You put your hand on mine and softly said "mama". I will never forget that moment. Tears immediately came into my eyes. Then on October 29th, Daddy and I were sad about selling our house and everything going on and you came WALKING (for the first time) out of the bathroom with a big smile on your face. You always help us realize what is truely important in life. Family and the love we have for each other is what matters. We will be able to get through anything as long as we have each other.
Cooper, I love you SO much! I never knew love like this existed. You have made me the happiest person on Earth. I cannot wait to watch you grow up, although I am sad a whole year has already passed. I promise to be the best mommy I can be. I will always be there to pick you up when you fall, sit with you when you are sad and answer your questions when you are confused. You are special and have already touched so many lives. You are truely a gift from God. I will NEVER forget this past year, the first year of your life. I know you are going to get big and will not be able to curl up in my lap and fall asleep, but please promise me that you will never quit holding my hand, shooting me smiles across the room and making me feel like the most special woman in the world. You are amazing and I love you so much! Thanks for the kisses, hugs and love you have shared with me thus far!
I love you.
Mommy
On Saturday we headed to The Cabana Club for their annual egg hunt. My camera died so I was not able to document the event like I would have liked. (YES, I WAS freaking out at the fact my battery died!) Samantha was extremely afraid of the HUGE Easter bunny but Cooper warmed up to him after seeing some other kids share the love. While surveying the egg scene before the hunt, Phil noticed that every so often there was a large tri-colored egg hidden amoungst the smaller eggs. He pointed this out to Cooper and told him to get some of those during the hunt. The lady in charge cut the ribbon and off the kiddos went. When the egg hunt was over, Cooper showed us his basket and YES, the ONLY thing in it was 10 LARGE TRI-COLORED EGGS! Phil and I giggled. I guess Cooper takes after his competitive parents!
As I was watching Cooper and Samantha hunt for eggs, I was reminded of the ending of my favorite movie "Steel Magnolias". Lots of families were not able to spend this holiday together due to war, sickness or even death. Our family has been blessed with another wonderful weekend of memories.
