Go 'til Ya Can't Go No More!

What a weekend! We had Cooper's first birthday party on Saturday. Both sides of the family were here and it was so fun. We ate spaghetti and meatballs, Cooper's favorite, and Grandma Marcia's famous cake. I will post pix. of the party soon. We were very fortunate in that cousin Karen and Eric (http://www.kandeproductiononline.com/) came down and captured it all through their photography. Yeah! Cooper had is one year appt yesterday and, no surprise, was 95th percentile for weight (27#) and 90th percentile for height (32").

The weekend continued on Sunday with church and a day in DSM with just the girls. Mama Faye, Layla and I did a little shopping, a few errands and painted pottery. We had ice cream on the way home and Layla CRASHED! Mama Faye took this picture, too funny. Sunglasses on, ice cream spoon still in her mouth and out like a light.

Tomorrow we are off to Florida for a week to celebrate Dave's 40th bday (a month early) with some friends.

More Madness - a very tight race to Detriot

Layla and Jen are all knotted up at 39 wins and 17 losses
Dave closing in at 38 wins and 18 Losses.

Jen has Lou, Ucon and UNC alive
Dave has the same and Pitt alive

Layla has Lou, Ucon and Pitt as well.

1

My little baby boy is one year old today. Oh my, how fast it's gone buddy. I pray I've done enough for you in your first year of life. From day one, you have been a sweet boy who loves his family. Your face lights up and you get so excited whenever you see your sissy. I love how you're so rough and tough and strong, yet come to find Mom and Dad every few minutes for a love and a snuggle. I love that when I get down on the floor to chase you in a game of "I'm gonna getcha" you turn and run straight into my arms for a bear hug instead of running away....every time.

You were an easy newborn, so content to just be in this world. When you turned 4 months old, you sat up and decided your sedentary life was over! You've been on the move ever since. Today, we thank and praise God for you. We are honored that you are our son and that God entrusted us with you. Happy Birthday Cooper David Handsaker!!!

My Answers to These Pressing Qustions

My friend, Allison, wanted to know how I answered Layla's questions that I posted yesterday. Here they are.........please understand that Dave is out of town and I'm tired!

1. No audible answer, I just looked at her blankly, which seemed to appease her.

2. "It all depends on how fast you talk"

3. "The answer to what I think you meant to ask is yes. The answer to what you just asked me is no."

4. "I may look like I carried twins, but no, I am sure you are not twins. You have to be in my tummy at the same time to be twins."

5. "I understand it, baby, but I don't always like it." A very good life lesson.

"Are You Really Here?"

Layla is full of it. I don't know what "it" is, but she's got it right up to the rim. Here are some of the very interesting questions she asked me today. Please keep in mind, these were unprovoked, out of nowhere, very random questions.

"Are you really here? I mean for real mom, are you really here?" (I have no idea what this meant, I was standing right in front of her.)

"Does my voice walk through the phone lines or does it run?"

"When I'm younger, will I be as old as my Grandma Great Grandma Kellen?"

"Are you just pretending that Cooper and I aren't twins?"

"Mama, I hate the rain. I just don't understand it. For real, do you? Who understands the rain?"

Happy 90th Birthday Grandma!

This weekend we made a trip to Omaha to celebrate my Grandma Kellen's 90th birthday. Grandma thought she was 100 and Layla thought her "Grandma Great Grandma Kellen" was 24. They were both off a bit. We stayed overnight and I realized it was our first night in a hotel as a whole family. Not the best sleep, but we did pretty good. I'd say 90% of the Kellen family was together and that's a major accomplishment. My grandma has 7 children, 20 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren (or something close to that). The highlight for the kids was the party, because there were so many people, and swimming in the hotel swimming pool! There were many pictures taken at the party, but I was not the one taking them. So, if someone would send me a picture, I would love to post it!

As you can see by Dave's posts, we are loving March Madness and closely following the Cyclone women. Layla is very proud that she is winning the "basketball contest".

The Race Tightens!

Layla still leads after the weekend at: 36 and 12
Jen a close second at: 35 and 13
Dave in third but, closing the gap at: 34 and 14

Layla still leads

Layla is now 25 and 7
Jen is now 24 and 8
Dave brings up the bottom at 21 and 11

After Day one - Jen and Layla are tied

Layla - 12 and 4
Jen - 12 and 4
Dave - 11 and 5

The Madness continues

Layla is now 7 and 1
Jen is 6 and 2
and dad fell into third at 5 and 3

March Madness - we thought we would have some fun - Dave and Jen picked our brackets then we asked Layla which teams she liked - she is currently in the lead but, really likes the sound of California and took them deep! Layla also liked the sound of Uconn and picked them to win!

Dave 5 and 2
Jen 5 and 2
Layla 6 and 1

"I don't mean to be unkind, BUT..."

Several weeks ago, the time had finally come for brother to get his first REAL haircut. Not just the little trimmies I have been giving him, but a professional haircut. So we took the little man to the town barber, Gene (gotta love small towns). Brother sat still, no fussing, no problem. However, when I told Gene he could take Cooper's hair pretty short, apparently he thought I meant just the bangs. We left with a little bit of a party going on in the back and nothin' but business in the front! We were thankful to find out that all of Gene's first haircuts are free and we left feeling a little vindication in that.

After I buckled the kids in the car and climbed in the front seat, I looked back to see Layla just staring at Cooper. Finally, she said, "Brother, I don't mean to be unkind, but I really hate your bangs." I died laughing and told her I agree! But, not to worry, they'll grow!

"I'm Getting Married!"

This is what Layla proclaimed to us all one day as she walked through the house. When Dave asked her who she was getting married to, her reply was, "To you Daddy!" And then quickly added, with a critical eye, "But you have to wear a suit." So, a few minutes later, after much conversation between Layla and Dave in the closet, here is what they came out wearing. When Dave asked her what they were to do next she told him, "Dance!" So they danced and Layla even knew that she was to be dipped. Too cute, these two. Such a testament to Dave and the time he puts into his children. They adore him!

"Cooper David, Sit DOWN!"

Any of you who have been around Cooper know that his latest stunt is standing up in his high chair. It's a tricky move that he has mastered. We strap him in and slide his tray snug up to his belly. But, as soon as he's done eating (priorities!), he turns and stand in one swift movement so that he's standing backwards. He is sooo proud! Well, needless to say, he hears, "Cooper David, sit DOWN!" a lot.

I knew it was just a matter of time before a fall and it came yesterday. I put some food on his tray, turned around, walked to the sink and heard the loudest, most awful thud, followed by silence. When the crying isn't immediate, you know its bad. And there was my little man, face down on the hardwood floor. He starts screaming, tears are welling up in my eyes and sister's saying, "I didn't do it! I didn't do it!" He didn't knock himself out, but he was a little lethargic for awhile....scared me enough to call the ER. When I asked sister if she saw him fall she said, "Yup, he stood up, stepped out and fell like a rock mom."

I'm glad to report Cooper is alright and he's added two more head injuries since. I tried to get a good picture of the knot on his head, but this was as good as I could do. The injuries have NOT slowed him down.

11 Months

Its been a very busy last few days. I spent the weekend in Denver with "the girls" and had a great time! These are my best friends from college and, even all of these years later, we truly enjoy our time together.

The day before I left, Cooper David turned 11 months. He is an official walker. His favorite move is getting from the sitting to the standing position with no assistance. He will do it again and again, until he gets it (he never tires of trying to get what he wants)! He loves venturing out on his own, but likes checking back in for a quick hug and snuggle. I love this picture, it is him snorting with laughter. I am glad to report he is outgrowing his snorting, but it still cracks me up when he does it. Little man had a tough day. He's had a cold for a few days. This morning, he didn't nap long and he sobbed in my arms for over an hour. Little Man has never cried like that so I knew something was very wrong! I took him in to the Dr. and he had a double ear infection. Poor little man!