It's a BALL to be TWO.

This post is late. Super duper late.
But buddy, you also came into this world SUPER early, so we'll call it even, ok?
I love you.

And we truly had a BALL celebrating you and your two-year-old self back in October.
You bring a whole lot of laughter and silliness to our lives.
You love bike rides and hate haircuts.
You have a language of your own.
"bee" = bus
"wee wee" = fire truck
"a-wuh-wuh" = your word for LITERALLY almost every single other thing
Everyone who knows you knows it.
But since this post is pretty late, you're saying SO many more words, and names, and phrases now.
Just this past week you FINALLY started saying Nolan instead of Dodo.
You recently graduated from the Neonatal Developmental Clinic and are no longer considered a preemie!
You're our nugget and our nut and we absolutely adore you.

Happy second birthday three months ago, Coop!

Racing to see who can clean up the balls fastest. 

GO!

With Jovie, his betrothed.

Balls EVERYWHERE for our ball loving boy.

Because Turning 5 is Paw-some!

Nolan turned 5 almost a MONTH AGO. The fact that I'm just now getting around to posting about it is in no way a reflection of our excitement about it because trust me, that boy was c-e-l-e-b-r-a-t-e-d. Instead, the delay is a reflection of just how crazy the month of September has been for us. With hurricanes and flights to Texas and lots in between it has just been a big ole month. Like September, where did you even come from. And like, where have you gone??

We celebrated the day of Nolan's 5th birthday with cupcakes at school and a special dinner that night together as a family. That weekend we celebrated with a Paw Patrol party (his choice) at home alongside close friends and family. 

It was SUCH a fun week celebrating our big guy. 

Nolan, you are the most kind-hearted, inquisitive five-year-old I know. A few of my favorite things about you are your love for school, the way you thrive on conversation and quality time with friends, your willingness to help your daddy with any task at the drop of a hat, your rock and cicada and acorn collections, and your continued love for all things trucks. 

 

 Your dad climbed a tree after your birthday balloons floated away and got stuck in it.

Never ever doubt his love for you!

 Pure joy after getting them back.

Dinner at The 5 Spot with our 5 year old, of course!

And once again Uncle Craig did an amazing job capturing some photos at your party!

 

WE LOVE YOU, BUD.

Cooper: 18 Months

I am having the hardest time choosing where to begin with this post about you, kiddo. Mostly because I just can't believe you are EIGHTEEN MONTHS OLD already. It went by so fast. And today, I feel like my heart is trying to catch up.

There are so many things we love about you, bubba.

You do this thing where you won't keep your left shoe on your foot. ALWAYS that left shoe.
Your spunky personality comes with a stoic expression at times. I love watching people take a stab at making you smile.
Your dark hair is lightening up and growing long. And those curls back there!
You love riding the bike with Daddy and wrestling with your brother.
You're a climber and an explorer.
And we think you might be a lefty.
Bath times are the best times.
Your favorite books are Jimmy Fallon's "Everything is Mama" and "Dada."
You are very particular about reading those before bed.
Your favorite food is banana, but you're also hooked on bagels with cream cheese.
You do NOT like applesauce.
You are somehow a complete momma's AND daddy's boy.
But Nolan is your favorite.
You are an absolute nut and are always up for an adventure.
One of your favorite parts of the day is picking Nolan up from school and getting to see all of the school buses.
You suck your thumb while you fall asleep.
You have serious FOMO (fear of missing out).
Your messes are impressive. You leave a trail of toys, socks, books, grocery bags, all kinds of things...everywhere you go.
You're working on walking but honestly show zero rush to do so. We have a feeling it won't be too much longer though. You do you, baby.
You love the beach.

And we love YOU.
You help keep our hands and our hearts so full.
Happy year and a half birthday (a little late), bud!