Since we have decided Cooper truly thinks the lake is simply a larger version of his bathtub - the kid loved every minute of it. He is big into splashing. Huge.
How soon will it be until he can swim out to Turtle Rock?
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Turtle Rock, Here I Come
Since the weather has been so rainy, windy, unpredictable, and crappy this entire season, Cooper finally had his formal introduction (albeit belated) to Highland Lake. 
Since we have decided Cooper truly thinks the lake is simply a larger version of his bathtub - the kid loved every minute of it. He is big into splashing. Huge.
How soon will it be until he can swim out to Turtle Rock?
Since we have decided Cooper truly thinks the lake is simply a larger version of his bathtub - the kid loved every minute of it. He is big into splashing. Huge.
How soon will it be until he can swim out to Turtle Rock?
Hangin' Ten
This past weekend, Maria's family came up to spend the weekend at the lake. Come to find out, Lori conspired behind the scenes for this plan to be sucessful, as Maria had no idea they were all coming until the car pulled into the driveway on Friday night. They all had visions of Maria being so touched to see everyone that tears would well up in her eyes. Maria? Tears? Yeah right!
We had an fabulous steak dinner on Friday night with the meat that Todd lovingly marinated for us all. On Saturday morning we drove into Port Jervis for the 'Arts Walk' before heading back home and taking the boat over to Sand Beach for sun and alcohol. The twins had a blast splitting their time between the huge mound of sand and the water.
This is Alex manipulating a little girl so he can snag the boogie board.
We had an fabulous steak dinner on Friday night with the meat that Todd lovingly marinated for us all. On Saturday morning we drove into Port Jervis for the 'Arts Walk' before heading back home and taking the boat over to Sand Beach for sun and alcohol. The twins had a blast splitting their time between the huge mound of sand and the water.
This is Alex manipulating a little girl so he can snag the boogie board.
Success!
Convinced her to give up the board.
Politics in his future?
A little skittish at first.....
But he enjoyed every moment.
And the kid soon became a pro.
Mark got his chance next.
And he also had no fear!
Kept getting up until he perfected it.
Ready for the ocean.
Here he comes.
They then decided a low-risk version of surfing was the way to go. 
Grass Is Always Greener
Cooper has recently made huge strides in the area of being aware of his surroundings, and now this is coupled with wanting to constantly explore and learn about his environment. Each touch and grasp of an object is a deliberate one. It is an amazing experience for us to simply observe his thought process.
Grass. Grass was the unknown and unique element of the day.
Grass. Grass was the unknown and unique element of the day.
He was intrigued a bit with his Mommy's toes.
But nothing can beat that grass stuff!
But nothing can beat that grass stuff!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Playdate With Van
Good day on Wednesday! Hung out with Van, and Cooper got some major play time in with her. OMG, he can not get enough of Van! Smiles and laughs constantly when he is around her. So cute.
Started off in the heart of Sty'town for a little while, and then walked down to Thompkins Square - and all the while remembering how one would never even consider finding themselves on Avenues A, B, or C not too many years ago. And in the park? You would need a death wish. Amazing how much the E.Village has changed over the years.
Met up with Lynn, and the three of us searched for a cool place to grab lunch at an outside table. The drawback with that area now being gentrified and trendy is the fact that things close in the wee hours of the AM, so don't open until the late afternoon. Finally decided on East Village Tavern because of the great burgers and the half-price on beer from the tap. The same five firefighters who own McFadden's own this place. Really nice spot. Would love to go back one night soon. They apologized for not having crackers for the baby (not that he could eat them), and this nice older man came up to our table several times to visit with Cooper.
Started off in the heart of Sty'town for a little while, and then walked down to Thompkins Square - and all the while remembering how one would never even consider finding themselves on Avenues A, B, or C not too many years ago. And in the park? You would need a death wish. Amazing how much the E.Village has changed over the years.
Met up with Lynn, and the three of us searched for a cool place to grab lunch at an outside table. The drawback with that area now being gentrified and trendy is the fact that things close in the wee hours of the AM, so don't open until the late afternoon. Finally decided on East Village Tavern because of the great burgers and the half-price on beer from the tap. The same five firefighters who own McFadden's own this place. Really nice spot. Would love to go back one night soon. They apologized for not having crackers for the baby (not that he could eat them), and this nice older man came up to our table several times to visit with Cooper.
After lunch we took a stroll around. Even hiked over the overpass on 10th Street and walked along the river for a bit. Back on this side of the tracks, we HAD to head to Zum Schneiders for "one more no more" since the night was young. Nabbed a table outside before the place filled up, and it does fill up very quickly! Yay, Lori got out of work and came down to meet us. Took these pictures of Cooper getting a little too frisky with Van.
After our pretzels and HB were consumed, we walked over to Three of Cups to grab a bite. Hanger steak, antipasta platter, a Ruffino chianti, and Cooper asleep in the stroller - a fab way to end the evening. Loved our playdate with Van!
After our pretzels and HB were consumed, we walked over to Three of Cups to grab a bite. Hanger steak, antipasta platter, a Ruffino chianti, and Cooper asleep in the stroller - a fab way to end the evening. Loved our playdate with Van! Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Measuring Up
Cooper had his 6 month doctor appointment yesterday, and we are happy to report that he continues to make every milestone and is right where he should be! He is now 27" (60%) long, and is a hefty and healthy 19 lbs 12oz (79%) weight. We thought he would definitely be a 20+ pounder for sure, but alas, not this time! We have read and been told that preemies tend to be "smaller" and may "lag behind in development" due to starting life "behind the curve". But our Cooper? HELL NO. You would never know there was anything different or out of the ordinary with his birth. He has absolutely caught up and is right where he belongs in every way, shape, and form.
Cooper is so close to sitting up on his own. He is strong enough and is able to do it, but doesn't quite have the cause/effect down with the whole if-I-lean-I-will-fall thing. But rolling over? The kid won't do it! He rolls to his side, hangs out a bit, and then is like - nope, ain't doin' it. The doctor isn't worried about it at all since he has such a strong core (lucky kid) and could do it if he wanted. Cooper seems to have established the goal of mastering standing on his own, and deems this higher on his list of priorities than the lowly and pedestrian skill of rolling over. That's our boy! Next appointment is at 9 months old, and no shots (YAY) then.
Today is July 15th.
In the month of July we already have 16 blog posts.
Craziness.
Cooper is so close to sitting up on his own. He is strong enough and is able to do it, but doesn't quite have the cause/effect down with the whole if-I-lean-I-will-fall thing. But rolling over? The kid won't do it! He rolls to his side, hangs out a bit, and then is like - nope, ain't doin' it. The doctor isn't worried about it at all since he has such a strong core (lucky kid) and could do it if he wanted. Cooper seems to have established the goal of mastering standing on his own, and deems this higher on his list of priorities than the lowly and pedestrian skill of rolling over. That's our boy! Next appointment is at 9 months old, and no shots (YAY) then.
Moved up to Stage Two foods this week. Many more options in his world now! He meals used to consist of brown rice cereal, and sweet potatoes, carrots, or peas. Now there is expansion into corn, green beans, potatoes, squash, and spinach. Yeah, we know it doesn't sound too fabulous, but believe us - Cooper is thrilled.
He hasn't started on any sorts of fruit yet, but we will introduce a few beginning next week. Chicken/turkey/etc blends will be held off for another month or so. And It will still be a little while before chicken tikka masala, sushi, churrasco, meatballs, guacamole and gelato make it into the kid's diet.
Oh, the doctor gave us the 'good to go' for Europe in the Fall, and no major precautions are needed for Cooper. We figured as much, but had to throw it out there in case she had some additional advice for us. Spain, France, and Italy - here we come! We have to get down to the passport office at some point in the next few weeks to submit Cooper's paperwork and get that ball rolling.
Today is July 15th.
In the month of July we already have 16 blog posts.
Craziness.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
HomeBoy II
This hat is the greatest for up at the lake in the cold evenings and mornings. And? It is fuzzy and says 'Harley Davidson' on it. How could things beat that? Cooper definitely likes it, but would prefer to have it in his mouth rather than on his head. We were cracking up when taking these pictures - he just looked so dopey! (cute and dopey) 
Mommy Time
So love this picture.
Lori and Cooper shared some hardcore giggles on the sofa.
He had just finished eating, and you can see his huge stomach!
Lori and Cooper shared some hardcore giggles on the sofa.
He had just finished eating, and you can see his huge stomach!
Gone Fishin'
We love those Hart boys.
Colton, Josh, Mason, and Luke.
We hope Lori's nephews caught enough fish for their dinner under the stars while on their camping trip.
Colton, Josh, Mason, and Luke.
We hope Lori's nephews caught enough fish for their dinner under the stars while on their camping trip.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Playing Around
It was a goal of Maria's parents to pick up a cheesy t-shirt for Cooper while they were on vacation. We think they succeeded! 
Cooper looks so small on the sofa, huh? He absolutely loves playing with and chewing on this toy - it is a giraffe named Sophie, made in France, and way too expensive.
But it is clear that Elmo has his heart.
Cooper looks so small on the sofa, huh? He absolutely loves playing with and chewing on this toy - it is a giraffe named Sophie, made in France, and way too expensive. 
But it is clear that Elmo has his heart.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Happy Birthday Blog
We started the blog on July 8th of last year.
Many, many posts later.....
Here we are!
And now we hear from both of our mothers,
If days go by without new pictures of Cooper.
Isn't technology a wonderful thing?
Shakespeare In The Park
We had tickets for Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater on Monday night.
Twelfth Night is the first production by The Public this season, with Audra MacDonald, Anne Hathaway, and Raul Esparz as notable cast members. 
A welcoming change this season is the fact that concessions are now a Danny Meyer endeavor. Danny Meyer's restaurants include Gramercy Tavern, Union Square Cafe, Shake Shack, Tabla, The Modern, Eleven Madison Park and others. You can even check out a review by the New York Times. Since when does The Times review snack bars? We did purchase a couple of things, and what we noticed right off the bat was the wine list. Quite extensive for Central Park!
We did enjoy this show very much, but Maria saw it in the park in 2002 with Jimmy Smits, Oliver Platt, Christopher Lloyd, Kristen Johnson, and Julia Stiles.... And thinks the actors worked better together than 2009's cast. And? She saw 'Twelfth Night' at the Globe Theater in London with the amazing British actor Mark Rylance playing the role of Olivia. Being in that venue, having a male take on a principal character, and being blown away by his talent - all added up to a memorable experience.
A welcoming change this season is the fact that concessions are now a Danny Meyer endeavor. Danny Meyer's restaurants include Gramercy Tavern, Union Square Cafe, Shake Shack, Tabla, The Modern, Eleven Madison Park and others. You can even check out a review by the New York Times. Since when does The Times review snack bars? We did purchase a couple of things, and what we noticed right off the bat was the wine list. Quite extensive for Central Park!We did enjoy this show very much, but Maria saw it in the park in 2002 with Jimmy Smits, Oliver Platt, Christopher Lloyd, Kristen Johnson, and Julia Stiles.... And thinks the actors worked better together than 2009's cast. And? She saw 'Twelfth Night' at the Globe Theater in London with the amazing British actor Mark Rylance playing the role of Olivia. Being in that venue, having a male take on a principal character, and being blown away by his talent - all added up to a memorable experience.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Beer And Tractors
Cooper has been a teething fiend lately, and will attempt to chomp away on anything he can get his hands on. At least he picked a Stella. 
A third of the group played golf, a third of the group hung at home, and the cool third decided to see what a small town 4th of July parade was all about.
A third of the group played golf, a third of the group hung at home, and the cool third decided to see what a small town 4th of July parade was all about.
Were we disappointed? Nope.
They had tractors!
And tractors and tractors.
And the Red Hat Ladies were represented as well.
Cooper is getting so pudgy! We can't even remember his oh so tiny, underweight, preemie days at all! Lots of meat on his bones now.
Cooper was great all weekend long. He still (thank god) isn't one to cry, and he was adequately spoiled by each and every person up to the lake for the weekend. We so appreciate everyone's help! It makes things so much easier if we can pass him off while we get stuff done. The kid laughed and smiled for days. Thanks guys!
Cooper was great all weekend long. He still (thank god) isn't one to cry, and he was adequately spoiled by each and every person up to the lake for the weekend. We so appreciate everyone's help! It makes things so much easier if we can pass him off while we get stuff done. The kid laughed and smiled for days. Thanks guys!
Oh yeah, Eileen did promise that Chloe (AKA Coco) could be dyed a bright red. Kim felt Cooper needed a real live "Elmo" of his very own. And wasn't Glenn going to get a big vat of beet juice going? Too bad Eileen/Traci changed their mind! Or maybe that is why they decided to leave the lake early???
Getting in a little quality time on the dock.
Getting in a little quality time on the dock.
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