Mini Trips!!

 Cooper had his first flight a little over 6 weeks old.  After being "those people" in the security line, we had a smooth flight to Phoenix for a nice trip over Memorial Day weekend.  Cooper slept most of the flight....pfew!! 

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Here is me, Ben and my Dad on the top of Squaw Peak mountain.  We were a slow, but mighty group and made it to the top in a little over an hour.  I was definitely a little rusty on the fitness front, but felt good about conquering the challenge.  Beautiful view of Phoenix

We spent a lot of time in the shade poolside on this trip.  Cooper just looked the part....he didn't get much pool time except a quick dip of the feet by Papa.  

Chillin with Nana and Papa:)

Cooper's second trip within 10 weeks of life was to Dallas!!  Here he is happy to see his Auntie A, my sister, Angie:)  She is a major resource and support for Ben and I and we just love her!!

Now.......get ready for some cousin time!!

Brooke and Cooper

Jackson and Cooper

Drew and Cooper

Cooper thinks his two big cousins are SO cool.....they are so sweet to him and I love them all very much:)

Visitors....we love them!!!!

Sweet Melissa

I wanted to make a post, before it got too late, with all of the wonderful visitors that came to meet Cooper his first few weeks.

Having a baby brings out so many blessings in your life.  Thank you to our family and friends for all the love, kindness and support surrounding Cooper's birth.

Parents to be in August, Deana and Kevin

The nursery artist, Caroline

Miss Mary G., fellow educator:)

Sham-Wow (Shannon), my awesome co-worker

Suzanne....co-worker, friend, and dance partner

Lisa Meares Brown, Apache Reading Teacher Extraordinaire

One of my golden oldie friends.....Brittney Dawn

Our neighbors, Ken and Mary Jo

More awesome co-workers, Lisa and Monica

My Chicago partner in crime, Emily

Cooper's oldest cousin, Jackson

Proud cousin, Drew

Cousin City...all of my cousins kids from my Mom's side here on Easter.  Little Coop is somewhere in the mix:)

Auntie A and cousin Brooke, love them!

Uncle Alex from California!

The beautiful and talented Jen!!

My great friend Deana's back for round 2!!

My dear friend Natalie came to see us on her b-day:)

The infamous Carole Ingram

The best hairdresser, therapist and friend all in one....Janice!

Two of my recent faves....

Cutest Royals fan ever.......sorry Ben:)

I love him right after a bath....love these moments.

Cooper's First Month Highlights

We were very camera happy during our first month with Cooper.  Everything he did was so exciting to us as new parents that we wanted to "capture" every moment.  We have a video monitor in our room where we can see him in his crib at night.  It is now our routine to lay in bed with the monitor between us and just watch him in his crib.  We laugh, we oohh, we ahhh, we worry.......yes, we are crazy, but we are new parents!!!!  Here are a few pics from this wonderful first month.

Muscles!!

Hangin with big cousin, Jackson.

Drew and Coops:)

We defrosted Ben's groom cake from our wedding 2 years ago.  Little did we know when we finally ate it we would have a child the same size!!

Cooper loved his first Easter with his big cousins.....they were so sweet to him.

My parents and their 4 grandchildren.

Easter was bigger than him this year!  How cute is his basket painted by Nana:)

The circle of trust

We were feeling artistic with the camera Easter morning:)

These are my absolute favorite pajamas of his and he already grew out of them!!  This picture was taken at 4am in the morning before we nursed while watching the royal wedding festivities.  I wore a hat and Cooper wore his favorite pj's....can you say "dog gone cute?"  
Eat your heart out Prince William!!

Here is Ben's lifelong childhood friend, Curtis.  Curtis and his wife had their son, Silas in October.  Here are the two babies meeting for the first time....don't cop a "tude" Cooper:)

This was my first Mother's Day.  I was so happy and you can see it in my smile:)

I love that Ben and Cooper have the same hairline!  Bald is beautiful in my book....love these two.

Again, trying to recreate an artistic shot I saw somewhere.  I think it turned out pretty good minus Ben's hairy legs.  

And here is the first of 12 monthly pbotos...let's watch how Cooper grows!  He is one month old in this picture. 

Major sweetness!  My friend, Angie, got me these cute ties to use for his monthly pics.

In one month, Cooper went from 7lbs. 6 oz to 10lbs. 3oz. and 19.5 in to 22.5 in.
Next thing I know he'll be going off to college!!  Just kidding, but wow, the first month went fast, but I enjoyed every moment.  Cooper is teaching us how to be good parents and what is important in life.  Thanks for changing our lives Cooper, all in one short month:)

Meet Cooper Benjamin Doll

Our sweet little boy, Cooper Benjamin Doll, arrived on April 12, 2011 at 2:15pm.  He weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces and was 19.5 inches long.  It was love at first sight and we love him more and more each day.  We are so grateful for this gift God gave us and feel so proud and blessed to be his parents.  Here are some highlights from his BIRTHday.

My sister, the delivery day make-up artist..thanks Ang!

My sister's hair and make-up job, plus the epidural, get credit for my smile in this picture:)

For some reason, I demanded ice chips at this point in labor. 

I'll NEVER forget this moment as long as I live!!!

Proud Dad, Ben.

Our Baby Doll, Cooper!

Thanks Dr. Arroyo!!

Nana and Cooper

Auntie A or Auntie M with Cooper (the name is still being decided)

Grandma and Grandpa Doll

My parents with their 4th grandchild!

I was STARVING!!  Hospital food never tasted so good!

Cooper's first visitor, Melissa!!

Proud New Mom:)

Brooke meets her new cousin, she needed a little time to warm up:)

Deana and Kevin with Cooper.  Parents to be in August:)

Nana got Cooper ready in his cute coming home outfit.

Buckled in and ready to come home!

Brooke enjoying Cooper's balloons.

We are so proud to be his parents!!!  

Cooper, we love you forever.  Love, Mom and Dad