Happy Birthday Ben!

I cannot believe my sweet baby is a year old. He survived his first birthday and his first massive intake of sugar (donuts and cake) and is snug as a bug in bed.

At one year old Ben:

• weighs about 19.5 pounds. Yes, if we travel back to month 11 our little piggy weighed 20.5 pounds. The poor guy had a bad bout with a stomach virus last week and lost some serious weight. It was an unpleasant experience for all involved.
• wears size 3 diapers and 6-12 month clothes.
• has 5 teeth. Three on top and two on bottom. He also loves to show them off with a huge smile.
• is super verbal. He can mimic almost any sound we make. His favorite is "thank you."
• may be a yogi (yoginni?) when he's older. His gigi is so proud.
• bear crawls.
• was baptized.
• likes to hang in his crib after his nap and read books. I love the extra time it gives me to get a few more things done. Thanks B!
• had his first day at Gymboree and loved it!
• has changed our lives. Neither Nate nor I (and probably Cooper) can imagine our lives without Ben. He makes every day exciting and I love him more than I could ever say on a silly blog. He is our life. Happy Birthday little man!

And for a trip down memory lane, here is the back of Ben's first birthday invitation showing his monthly picture for the last 11 months. Funny enough, the kid started life looking exactly like dad and at one year looks exactly like his mom (minus the eyes- those are 100% daddy).

Cooper and Ben celebrate their first year of brotherhood.

Week Two

I'm a little late this week. Again, this isn't the greatest quality picture but I love it for about a billion reasons.

1. All the stripes. I love a good stripe and this picture has at least three different kinds of them.
2. The way Ben is looking at his cousin, Drew. Drew stayed the night with us while his family went skiing. Ben absolutely loves Drew and the look on his face shows that.
3. The way Drew is being so sweet with Ben. I'm not sure why he wanted to put Ben's shoes on but he sat there a good five minutes trying to get those suckers on. He was so sweet and careful trying to get them on (and they're a pain, I promise).
4. Cooper in the background waiting for someone to throw his toy. This is the story of my life.

Vote for Cooper!

Cooper Lyons | A Dog Named Christmas

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I know.

I've done nothing lately but post pictures. Life has been pretty typical here and I'm pretty sure no one needs to hear about Ben's new sleep schedule or our adventures with solid foods. Yes, the life of a mother can be overly exciting.

Stay tuned because I promise there is some excitement brewing (and we aren't talking Oregon microbrews- though we may have to throw some in). I can feel it in the air.

2 years ago

It was almost 2 years ago that I was packing up and getting ready to make the big move to Texas (actually, exactly 2 years ago we were enjoying a family vacation in Hawaii- thanks Dad!). It's funny to think back to 2 years ago and what was going on. There was so much uncertainty with the big move to Texas. Would I like it? Would I survive away from my family? How long would we live there? Would we make any friends?

In honor of this last week here in Texas I thought I'd wander back through BlogLand to see what my first month here was like.

Here is my first post from the Lonestar State back on July 17th, 2007.

The Plane Ride

Who would ever choose to fly anywhere at 6 o'clock in the morning (unless it's a trip to Hawaii or something)? Cooper and I decided it would be a great idea, so we got up at 3:30 and lugged all our stuff and ourselves (with the help of mom and dad) to the PDX airport.

Cooper was a little nervous for his first time traveling and, needless to say, so was I. We said a quick and sad goodbye to mom and dad and jumped through security. Mom and I had been joking about the security putting Cooper through the "puffer". You know, that's the booth you stand in and it puffs huge gusts of wind at you. As I gave the lady my ticket, she informed me that (because I had a dog with me) Cooper and I would be entering the puffer. I had to hold Cooper, a nervous dog by nature, to my chest and walk into the booth where I was told we would hear a loud noise and feel a "light breeze." We walked in and waited for awhile. All of a sudden there was a deafening roar causing Cooper to try and leap from my arms. I used my man strength to hold him tightly, planted my feet, and prepared for the gusts. As the noise died down, Cooper and I were blown back, Cooper's lips flapping in the "breeze." It was a good thing I had my feet planted.

Cooper and I made it safely through security and down to our gate. As it was time to board, I shoved Cooper, unwillingly, into his small carrier. It was a struggle, but I felt better knowing I was providing half my cabin mates with entertainment. I flipped Cooper over my shoulder and headed onto the plane.

As luck would have it, we were seated in practically the final row where the airline is so generous as to give you approximately 5 inches from the edge of your seat to the back of the seat in front of you. I tipped Coops on his side and shoved him down between the seats until I could jimmy him under the seat. He did well for about 30 seconds. Then he started to cry. Now Cooper is not a noisy dog, so I knew he was totally freaked. Luckily the nice flight attendant (and the even nicer man in the middle seat next to me) let me put Cooper's carrier on my lap. I got as much of my body as possible in the carrier with him (which either calmed him down or left him with so little oxygen he couldn't waste any on crying). The rest of the flight went smoothly until it was time to shove the poor dog back under the seat for the landing.

In Denver I decided I had a mission, and one mission only (besides dragging Cooper into the bathroom stall, but that's a whole other story). My mission was to fly Economy Plus. I got to the gate just as the lady was calling people to board. She obviously sensed my need for that extra 5 inches because she upgraded me at no charge. Cooper and I were living large. Not only did he fit under the seat (no shoving needed), we also had the entire three seats to ourselves. Those two hours were heaven.

All in all, the whole experience wasn't too bad. We made it alive (and one of us a little braver). Next time I will definitely be booking those extra five inches from the beginning.

Ben and Cooper recommend...

Baby Mozart by Baby Einstein. We bought this DVD with a Target gift card (thanks Nat!) to help us out around the house. While trying to get our house ready to sell we plopped Ben down on his Baby Einstein play mat to watch this 28 minute video. Yes, I know this is way down on the list of things that good mothers do, but sometimes there is no choice! Both Ben and Cooper will sit for the entire 28 minutes to watch this video. I'm not sure who enjoys it more! Get it!

Here are the boys enjoying their new favorite movie!

More photos

 

 

 

My 2 punks

Punk #1- Cooper (our first born) in Punk #1. I'm not sure you've ever met a dog with more personality. He loves watching TV. See this video for proof. He sleeps in bed with us (under the covers, head on pillow). He smiles. When he pees he alternates legs. We call this the hip swivel. I think he must be trying to mark as much territory as possible. He loves Punk #2. Yesterday I came out of the closet to find Punk #1 standing over Punk #2 (who was smiling and smiling) wagging his tale. Later in the day I was holding #2 and #1 brought his ball (see picture) over to #2 and pressed it against his hand. Sorry #1. Not going to happen for quite some time. #1 heads straight to the door as soon as #2 starts to cry.

Today I was taking some pictures of #2. #1 got jealous. He decided to get in on the action and pose for some shots of his own. He did this all on his own.

Punk #2- Bennett is starting to grow into his own personality as well. He also loves watching TV (hmm, I wonder where they get this from). He needs to be held. He loves watching #1 run by and listening to him bark. He loves listening to the fan in the bathroom and the sound of my hairdryer. He rolls over or falls asleep as soon as he is set on his stomach. #2 is really great at catching you unaware and spitting up all over you. He loves to be on the move.

These two crazy punks make our days and nights more interesting. It's so amazing that they already are so aware of each other and love each other so much. They definitely make our family whole!

These are a few of my favorite things (Part II)

1. Ben's Boppy Newborn Lounger. My friend, Lauren, gave us this. Ben loves to lie on it and it helps me be able to get thing done (including shower).

2. The E*TRADE commercials with the talking babies. My favorite is the one where the baby sings The Book of Love. I like to drive Nate crazy by singing that song to him. I'm not sure why he hates it (with my American Idol voice).

3. Complex 15 face lotion. I use to think this was such a splurge (it costs about $8.50). I have used this stuff since high school and it is just as awesome as it was back then. It is made with a lot of water and is on the thin side. My face just sucks it up! 

4. My camera. I'm still learning how to use it, but it takes great pictures on it's own. Even I can't mess it up!

5. The Oball. Here at Casa de Lyons (that's Spanish) we call these Wonka balls. Cooper goes crazy for them and they are less expensive than most poor quality dog toys. Good luck finding them because we may have just bought the entire stock!

Time flies when you're having fun.

Nate and I have been married 6 years today! We were married at Fort Carson, CO in a church made of cinderblock. We had a church full of soldiers dressed in fatigues and covered in mud. They bought us a cake from the grocery store and we drank punch from red paper cups. It was the most perfect wedding ever.

Nate and I have been through a lot in the last 6 years. Some memorable things are...

• We spent the first 13 months of our marriage apart. Nate was in Kuwait and Iraq while I spent my first year teaching 6th grade.
• We bought our first (and my favorite) house. Nate agreed to let me buy it sight unseen while he was in Iraq.
• Nate was able to come home for R&R over Christmas! 
• Nate came home in April 2004!



• In July of 2004 we celebrated our marriage with all our family and friends.



• We took a "familymoon" to Maui. Nate and I were there for a week before my family joined us and my sister got married. 



• Cooper joined our family! He has provided us with so much entertainment!



• Nate got a new job and we sold our house, Nate moved to Eugene, OR and we bought a house. I stayed in Portland (and lived with my parents) because I had already started teaching. I visited Nate on the weekends.
• Nate had neck surgery from an injury overseas.



• About 4 months after moving to Eugene, Nate was transfered to San Antonio. 
• Nate moved to Texas while I stayed in Oregon for the rest of the school year.
• We built our house.
• My parents took the whole family to Maui again!



• Last spring we decided to have a baby!
• Nate was a rockstar while I was on bedrest for 3+ months. He did everything!
• Our son was born!

This is only our 3rd anniversary we've actually been able to spend together. I am looking forward to many, many more!

In this economy...

Cooper has decided to help us out by getting a job at Hooters. He's a team player.

Here he is sporting his uniform.

Brotherly Love

Ben and Cooper love each other! Cooper has to be right next to us (and touching us both) whenever I nurse Ben. They are the cutest!

A Year In Review

January

• Brought in the New Year with Nate's family!
• My parents came to visit the grand ole' city of San Antonio.
• I quit my job (actually in December of '07) and enjoyed some very much needed "me" time.

February

• I got a part time job. Way better than my old job!

March

• My niece, Makena, was born!
  
  
  
• Nate and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary.
• I flew home to Oregon to meet Makena and help celebrate Drew's 2nd and Luke's 4th birthdays.
• Nate and I went to Seattle for Nate's cousin's wedding. It was a Hindu wedding and was so gorgeous (and the food was awesome). Nate was a groomsman and made an awesome speech at the Sangeet (which he wrote minutes before on a napkin).

April

• I attended my first Fiesta celebration here in San Antonio. 
• Cooper had his toe amputated. Sad!

May

• Nate turned 28!
• My parents came to visit.
• We decided we wanted a baby!

June

• We went to San Francisco with Nate's work team (they won a regional contest). We were able to see Nate's sisters (Suzanne and Jessica) and Brent. We saw my forever friend, Becky (seriously we've been friends for 28 years)! And we got to go to Alcatraz. My favorite place ever!
• I got knocked up.

July

• We celebrated 4th of July with our Texas friends.
• Morning sickness kicked in (and is sadly still sticking around- although better- in December).
• We told the families we are having a baby!
• I turned 28 on the 28th!

August

• I traveled home to Portland and we took a family trip to my parents' cabin in Black Butte. Sadly Nate couldn't take the time off and join us but he will be there in 2009!




• We found out we are (almost certainly) having a boy. I was shocked!

September

• Nate and I flew to Boulder, CO for a friend's wedding. It was so gorgeous! 
• I went to a few very fun baby showers!

October

• I went back to Oregon to see the family and hang out with my dad after his surgery. 
• I had a big scare on the flight back to San Antonio and had to go to the ER in Denver. By myself mind you. The people at the hospital were so nice to me!
• We found out we are definitely having a boy! He's quite the show off!

November

• My mom came to visit and we worked on the nursery. We went shopping and had a great time!
• I found out I have PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension) and was sentenced to bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy.
• We had our very first "grown up" Thanksgiving with Rob and Christine!

December

• My parents came to visit for Christmas! It was an awesome time!
• My baby is still cooking!

My Favorite Things: December

I've decide to make my (short) list today and recap the year tomorrow! I really am loving life right now. It's just a little lacking in the excitement area. In no particular order....

1. Christmas decorations are everywhere! Nate decorated our house this year (while I advised him from the couch). He put all the decorations in the great room so I could enjoy them all while I bed rest it. It definitely makes bed rest more enjoyable when you have a bunch of Christmas reminders to look at!

2. I continue to receive many wonderful things from friends and family to keep me occupied! I've read so many books and magazines, spent hours on the phone and played endless games of catch with Cooper.

3. I bought myself a photography book and am kind of starting to understand my camera. Thanks to sister-in-law, Suzanne, I now also have a photography DVD to watch. I will be an awesome photographer before this baby is born!

4. I got to see the little (big) man twice on the big screen. 

5. My absolute favorite thing was having my parents here for Christmas (more on Christmas to come, I promise). I always knew I was their favorite, but the fact that they drove to Sacramento just to fly out here (due to snow and airport problems in P-town) to see us solidified that fact. My parents are the best! We made an awesome Christmas Eve dinner, spent a leisurely day opening gifts and spending time together. It was hard to be away from my sisters and their families, but having my parents here made it awesome!

6. Christmas ('nuff said).

I promise I will update with some highlights of Christmas (and my very unique gifts courtesy of Nate) and nursery pictures (courtesy of my parents' hard work) asap. It's hard to get myself off the couch to take pictures! 

What did you all love about December? 

 

Too Much Time on My Hands

Nate and I just bought a video camera in preparation for the little one. Here is a video of our crazy dog. This is just a glimpse of what I get to deal with all day, every day on the couch. He makes it really hard to watch TV.

Here's what we're missing.

Nate and I should be packing right now. I would probably be doing laundry and straightening the place up. Nate would be setting all the Christmas lights to timers. We would be waking up very early tomorrow morning. Packing Cooper up in his airplane crate. We would be driving to the airport. We would be going home. 

Instead we are here. Nate is working. I'm sitting on the couch. Cooper has bad gas. The cleaning lady is here instead. She is helping us get ready for my parents' arrival on Monday. It will be a different sort of Christmas this year. A relaxing sort of Christmas. It may be a smelly sort of Christmas if Cooper keeps up with his gas.

Here are a few glimpses of what Nate and I are missing in Oregon this year. 

Here is my brother-in-law Jim. He's married to Megan. Karley (my other sister) and I made him this shirt for Christmas last year. It says "I was just diagnosed with awesomeness." As you can see, he is awesome.

Ellie, my niece, lost her first tooth last Christmas. It was such an exciting day! 









Brady is Cooper's bosom buddy. He doesn't ever seem to have bad gas. He did, however, lick the raw turkey last year. Luckily I'm a vegetarian.







My sister Megan and my niece Makena (in the belly). We actually had snow in Portland last Christmas. That is totally rare (though it looks like it could happen again this year). 

This year will be Makena's first Christmas.










After Christmas we headed up to Black Butte in Central Oregon. It was so gorgeous and snowy. We went sledding and walking. 













The Nees Family came with us. My oldest sister, Karley. Her husband, Rob. The rugrats Ellie, Luke and Drew. 








My parents with said rugrats.

We will miss Christmas in Oregon this year! Only 372 days until next year!

Camera Shy last Christmas: my nephew Max

The Many Faces of Cooper

"King of the bed" Cooper

"Sometimes I think I'm a cat" Cooper also known as "Crazy eyes" Cooper

"I'm depressed because no one will play with me" Cooper

"Lounging" Cooper

"Check out my underbite" Cooper

"Sexy" Cooper

"I love babies" Cooper (We may have to work on this one.)

"Traveling in the airplane" Cooper

"I went to doggie daycare yesterday" Cooper

"I'm part ant-eater" Cooper

"Ultimate Frisbee playing" Cooper

"I can be calm too" Cooper

Festive "I'm in the holiday spirit" Cooper

"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" Cooper

In honor of the holiday season, Cooper encourages everyone to give the animals in their lives a little extra love! There are many animals out there who need a good home (what a great Christmas gift)! Even if you can't adopt a new pet this year, there are many ways you can help! Volunteer your time (most shelters and rescue places love having people walk/play with the animals), donate old towels or blankets (in good condition), donate new toys, food, or money. 

Cooper recommends: 

• The Animal Defense League of Texas (the only no-kill shelter in SA)
• ASPCA
• The Boston Terrier Rescue

Happy Holidays!