Cooper makes it better no matter what it is...

When I signed in to my blog today, it said that I had last posted on January 19th. This is over a month from now. I simply can not find the time! So tonight, I will try to go as far as I can to get caught up, but find I am now so far behind with my updates that I may have to call it a night before I am where I want to be on our blog:(

We took Coop to Dorey Park for the 1st time a month or so ago. He absolutely loved it. He LOVED the swings the most! Scott and I both were so surprised at how long he wanted to swing. He squealed, smiled and laughed the whole time. Sure he has an indoor baby swing at home, but it's just not the same... the other kids to watch, the wind in his face, the larger motion of the playground swing, Daddy pushing! We also took him for a walk around the lake. He took deep relaxing breaths, like sighing and relaxing with his head reclined in the stroller, with the sunshine in his face; it was precious. Daddy jogged with the stroller through a flock of geese who flew off with Cooper totally amused. We also had a "ride" on a dinosaur, and went down the slide with Daddy!
Again, I think it really took us by surprise how receptive Cooper was to the activities on the playground at such a young age... not yet six months at the time. He lit right up, enjoyed the people watching, and just blossomed with the change of scenery and stimulating games and fun.
Dorey Park has since become a weekend favorite for our little family when we can. Scott and I had forgotten how peaceful and beautiful it is there as well. After a walk, the three of us parked out on the over-water gazebo and had a seat just relaxing and reflecting on where we were this time last year, and how far we have come with the immense changes in our lives since then. We both commented that before pregnancy, a trip to the park was meh, not all that interesting, choosing instead an adult beverage, a night out on the town, late nights, dates, entertainment. As Scott now puts it: "Having Cooper around makes everything , even the most basic acts, so much more special, so much more meaninful" that a trip to the park, or even the grocery store becomes interesting and fun. These trips become something that even we adults anticipate with excitement not only because of Cooper's reaction and enjoyment during them, but eagerness to be all together and just how good that feels.
Scott was always one to come straight home from work every day because he looked forward to kicking his feet up and unwinding, but it's different now. He comes through the door almost in a rush with a whole new excitement just to be around us. This new sense of family and togetherness has become a true priority for each of us, forgoing events or occasions, choosing instead to just hang out together because we find so much better than anything else could possibly be.